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The catalyzed dehydrogenation of methanol to formaldehyde at high temperatures: New insights by modelling of transport phenomena and reaction
Author(s) -
Sauer Jörg,
Emig Gerhard
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
chemical engineering and technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.403
H-Index - 81
eISSN - 1521-4125
pISSN - 0930-7516
DOI - 10.1002/ceat.270180410
Subject(s) - dehydrogenation , methanol , catalysis , chemistry , formaldehyde , volatilisation , hydrogen , homogeneous , chemical engineering , halide , inorganic chemistry , thermodynamics , organic chemistry , physics , engineering
An experimental investigation in a tube wall reactor with catalyst‐coated inner wall is presented. Yields of formaldehyde of more than 70% can be obtained in the selective methanol dehydrogenation over alkalialuminate. Models for the reactor and the system of most important homogeneous reactions are derived. Different models describing the catalytic action are proposed. The results can only be explained by a new type of catalytic reaction, not described so far in the literature. Reducing gases like hydrogen and methanol lead to a volatilization of material from alkalialuminate which apparently catalyzes the dehydrogenation in the gas phase. Calculations and experimental evidence lead to the conclusion that this material should be sodium atoms. These are engaged in the homogeneous radical chain reaction by regulating the concentration of hydrogen atoms.