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Transformation of nanocrystalline MgO pellets in reaction with 1‐chlorobutane
Author(s) -
Gupta Piyush P.,
Hohn Keith L.,
Erickson Larry E.,
Klabunde Kenneth J.,
Bedilo Alexander F.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
aiche journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.958
H-Index - 167
eISSN - 1547-5905
pISSN - 0001-1541
DOI - 10.1002/aic.10229
Subject(s) - pellets , nanocrystalline material , pellet , chemical engineering , pelletizing , catalysis , diffusion , chemistry , materials science , nanotechnology , thermodynamics , composite material , organic chemistry , physics , engineering
Nanoscale MgO, prepared by an aerogel method (AP–MgO), has been found to be a good destructive adsorbent for dehydrochlorination of 1‐chlorobutane. MgO is converted to MgCl 2 during reaction, but conversion continues because MgCl 2 itself is a good catalyst for dehydrochlorination. Pelletization will likely be required in industrial use of AP–MgO to ensure lower pressure drop. Pelletization, however, can lead to internal diffusion limitations. In addition, the phase transformation of MgO to MgCl 2 inside the pellets leads to physical changes that may limit the reaction rate. This study reports the changes in AP–MgO physical properties upon pelletization and reaction with 1‐chlorobutane. Pore diffusion limitations are noted for all pellets. The phase transformation of MgO to MgCl 2 plays an important role in the process, as the physical characteristics substantially change with this transformation. A layer of MgCl 2 forms on top of MgO, rendering much of the starting pellet inaccessible to reactants. © 2004 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 50: 3195–3205, 2004