Sorption and Reaction of Biomass Derived HC Blends and Their Constituents on a Commercial Pt–Pd/Al2O3 Oxidation Catalyst

Abstract

Within the Research Cluster of Excellence “The Fuel Science Center” at RWTH Aachen University, the production and application of new fuels from bio-based carbon feedstocks and CO2 with hydrogen from renewable electricity generation is being investigated. In this study, the storage and oxidation of ethanol, 1-butanol, 2-butanone, cyclopentanone, and cyclopentane as well as two blends thereof on a series production Pt–Pd/Al2O3 oxidation catalyst were investigated. Hydrocarbon (HC) storage and temperature-programmed surface reaction (TPSR) experiments were carried out to analyze their adsorption and desorption behavior. In addition, the individual HCs and both blends were investigated using Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (TP-DRIFTS). In general, all oxygenated HCs are adsorbed more strongly than cyclopentane due to their higher polarity. Interestingly, it could be observed that the two different blends [blend 1: ethanol (50 mol %), 2-butanone (21 mol %), cyclopentanone (14 mol %) and cyclopentane (15 mol %); blend 2: 1-butanol (45 mol %), ethanol (29 mol %) and cyclopentane (27 mol %)] exhibit a different storage behavior compared to the single hydrocarbons. It was shown that the presence of 1-butanol and cyclopentane in blend 2 strongly inhibits the oxidation of ethanol. As a result, the ethanol light-off temperature was increased by at least 100 K. A difference was also found in the storage behavior of cyclopentane. While no significant storage could be detected in the pure compound experiment, the experiments with both mixtures showed a larger amount stored. The presence of adsorbed species of the hydrocarbons and their corresponding reaction products has been demonstrated and gives an insight into the storage mechanism of blends. Graphic Abstract

Impact of unintentionally formed CH2O in oxygenated fuel exhausts on DeNOx-SCR at different NO2/NOx ratios under close to real conditions

“…A particular focus of this cluster is on the production pathways of these fuels as well as their use in internal combustion engines with associated exhaust gas aftertreatment systems. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is one of the most important and greatest challenges facing our civilization.…”

“…A particular focus of this cluster is on the production pathways of these fuels as well as their use in internal combustion engines with associated exhaust gas aftertreatment systems. 1–9…”