Ethylbenzene dehydrogenation over Fe2O3 promoted TiO2-ZrO2 catalysts and corresponding conceptual fluidized bed process

In conventional ethylbenzene dehydrogenation process, abundant superheated steam is consumed to supply reaction heat and inhibit coke formation, thereby a high operation cost is resulted. In this work, Fe2O3 promoted TiO2-ZrO2 catalyst demonstrated outstanding dehydrogenation performance in the absence of steam. The catalyst composition and preparation method have both been studied and optimized. The high specific surface area, well dispersion of Fe2O3 species, and appropriate acid-base properties are all necessary for ethylbenzene dehydrogenation. Ascribed to the reduction of Fe2O3 species, an induction period to reach the highest styrene selectivity was observed. For the catalyst after pre-reduction, an outstanding initial dehydrogenation performance can be obtained and kept stable in eight reaction-regeneration cycles. Further, a conceptual fluidized-bed ethylbenzene dehydrogenation process composed of a reactor, a regenerator and a reduction section was proposed to realize continuous reaction-regeneration operation. This work not only provides a class of ethylbenzene dehydrogenation catalyst efficient in the absence of steam, but also presents the concept of fluidized bed process obviously reducing the operation cost and achieving self-heat balance. ? 2021 Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The Fe2O3 promoted TiO2-ZrO2 catalyst showed excellent dehydrogenation performance without the need for excessive superheated steam, which can reduce operation costs and improve stability. Additionally, a conceptual fluidized-bed ethylbenzene dehydrogenation process was proposed to achieve continuous reaction-regeneration operation, demonstrating a potential for reducing costs and achieving self-heat balance.