Renewable p-Xylene Production by Catalytic Conversion of Crude Bioglycerol (GTA^-pX Process)

Abstract

The studies report an efficient vapor-phase continuous-flow process that operates on a ZSM-5 micro−mesoporous composite catalyst system (facilitated by molecular-level interaction of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and Zn species) for the production of sustainable para-xylene (p-X)-enriched alkyl-aromatics from crude bioglycerol. The process achieved 100% conversion of glycerol by coprocessing with methanol to produce industrially important liquid stock possessing ∼85% alkyl-aromatics, especially xylene isomers, which is the highest ever reported to the best of our knowledge. The xylene isomers consisting of ∼57% p-X are attractive for renewable petrochemical and polymer (poly(ethylene terephthalate)) production applications. The liquid stock consisting of xylene-rich alkyl-aromatics with minimum benzene content and possessing a high octane rating (research octane rating (RON) = 104) also has potential for gasoline blending applications.

Online In Situ Real-Time Experimental Investigation of the Crystallization Characteristics and Kinetic Models during the Nucleation and Growth Process of Para-Xylene Suspension Crystallization

“…The aromatics-polyester industry chain is a crucial component of the petrochemical industry with significant importance. − In recent years, there has been a global increase in demand for high-purity organic substances, driven by the rapid growth of industries such as food, fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and polymer material engineering . Para-xylene (PX) plays a vital role as a raw material in the polyester industry, and it serves as a vital connection between the chemical and refining sectors. − Currently, the primary method employed by the industry to obtain high-purity PX is to separate and purify PX from the mixed xylene raw material liquid . Since the three isomers of PX, m-xylene (MX), and o-xylene (OX) contained in mixed xylene have similar boiling points but vastly different melting points, the melting crystallization method that utilizes the melting point differences between different substances for crystallization separation has attracted people’s attention …”

High value-added fuel additive production from waste bio-glycerol over a versatile nanohybrid catalyst

“…Consequently, there is growing interest in converting glycerol into high-value-added products due to its wide range of potential applications. 4 Hence, the direct conversion of such crude glycerol into highly valuable chemicals like solketal, 5 dihydroxyacetone, 6 acrolein, 7 aromatics, 8 and 1,3-propanediol 9 is a potential option for effectively utilizing this bio-glycerol. Among these, the acetalization reaction of glycerol to produce solketal is of great interest due to its wide range of applications, i.e., it can be used as a fuel additive in gasoline/diesel, as a food additive, and in cosmetic production, and can be used for reducing gum formation in gasoline and reducing the viscosity of biodiesel.…”

CFD-PBE Simulation of para-Xylene Crystallization Behavior and Process Amplification under Different Operating Conditions

“…para -Xylene (PX) is an organic compound in which two hydrogen atoms at the para position on the benzene ring are swapped for methyl groups. It is one of the most significant aromatic hydrocarbon compounds and the primary raw material for many petrochemical products. − In the industrial production, high-purity p -xylene is obtained from mixed xylene by adsorption or crystallization. , If the mother liquor's PX concentration is low, the adsorption technique will be more efficient. Otherwise, using the crystallization technique is more advantageous.…”