The development of new storage materials will facilitate the use of hydrogen as a major energy carrier in near future. Among the chemical hydrides used as hydrogen storage materials for supplying hydrogen at ambient temperature, sodium borohydride seems to be an ideal one because it is stable under ordinary conditions and liberates hydrogen gas in a safe and controllable way in aqueous solutions. However, self hydrolysis of sodium borohydride is so slow that requires a suitable catalyst. This work aims the use of water dispersible cobalt(0) nanoclusters having large portion of atoms on the surface as catalyst for the hydrolysis of sodium borohydride. In-situ formation of cobalt(0) nanoclusters and catalytic hydrolysis of sodium borohydride were performed starting with a cobalt(II) chloride as precursor and sodium borohydride as reducing agent and substrate in the presence of a water soluble stabilizer. As stabilizer, water soluble polyacrylic acid as well as hydrogen phosphate ion were tested. Cobalt(0) nanoclusters were characterized by using all the available analytical methods including FT-IR, TEM, XPS, UV-visible electronic absorption spectroscopy. The kinetics of cobalt(0) nanoclusters catalyzed hydrolysis of sodium borohydride were studied depending on the catalyst concentration, substrate concentration, stabilizing agent concentration and temperature.

<p>In this study novel composite electrodes were developed, in which the catalytic components were deposited in nanoparticulate form. The efficiency of the nanophase catalysts and membrane electrodes were tested in an important electrocatalytic process, namely hydrogen production by water electrolysis, for renewable energy systems. The activity of electrocatalytic nanostructured electrodes for hydrogen production by water electrolysis were compared with that of more conventional electrodes. Development of the methodology of preparing nanophase materials in a rapid, efficient and simple manner was investigated for potential application at industrial scale. Comparisons with industry standards were performed and electrodes with incorporated nanophases were characterized and evaluated for activity and durability.</p>

Abstract The harmful emissions of chlorinated volatile organic compounds (CVOCs) originate only from man-made sources. CVOCs are used in a variety of applications from pharmaceuticals production to decaffeination of coffee. Currently, CVOC emissions are limited by strict legislation. For these reasons, efficient CVOC abatement technologies are required. Catalytic oxidation is very promising option for this purpose, since catalysts can be tailored to each case to maximize the efficiency and minimize the formation of unwanted products, such as dioxins or Cl2. The goal of this thesis was to study the role of the physico-chemical properties of catalysts in dichloromethane (DCM) oxidation. To reach the aim, several catalytic materials were prepared and characterized, and their performance was tested in total oxidation of DCM. The catalytic materials used were powders of four single metal oxides (&#947;-Al2O3, TiO2, CeO2, MgO), three mixed oxides (Al2O3-xSiO2) washcoated on a cordierite monolith and four active phases (Pt, Cu, V, Mn). At first, support properties were studied. It was found that the DCM conversion and HCl production are dependent on support acidity when the studied single oxides are considered. The best DCM conversions and HCl yields were observed with the support having the highest total acidity (&#947;-Al2O3). Further, the quality of the by-products formed was dependent on the type of the acid sites present on the support surface. Secondly, the impregnation of the active compound was observed to improve the selectivity of the material. From the tested active phases, Pt presented the best performance, but also V2O5 and CuO showed almost equal performances. Especially CuO supported on &#947;-Al2O3, that had less formation of by-products and is less toxic than V-containing oxides, seems to be a promising alternative to Pt. Concerning stability, no deactivation was observed after 55h of testing of Pt/Al2O3. Furthermore, in the used reaction conditions, the formation of CuCl2 is not thermodynamically favoured. Finally, the good characteristics of the powder form catalysts were successfully transferred to the monolith. The performance of the Pt/90Al2O3-10SiO2 catalyst in DCM oxidation was improved when the channel density was increased due to an increase in geometric surface area and mechanical integrity factor, and a decrease in open fraction area and thermal integrity factor. / Tiivistelmä Haitallisten kloorattujen orgaanisten yhdisteiden (CVOC) päästöt ovat ihmisten aiheuttamia. CVOC-yhdisteitä käytetään mm. liuottimina lääkeaineiden valmistuksessa ja kofeiinin poistossa. Nykyisin CVOC-päästöjä rajoitetaan tiukalla lainsäädännöllä. Näistä syistä tehokas CVOC-yhdisteiden käsittelymenetelmä on tarpeen. Katalyyttinen hapetus on hyvä vaihtoehto tähän tarkoitukseen, koska katalyytit voidaan räätälöidä niin, että puhdistuksen tehokkuus saadaan maksimoitua samalla kun ei-haluttujen tuotteiden, kuten dioksiinit ja kloorikaasu, muodostuminen voidaan minimoida. Tämän väitöskirjatyön tavoitteena oli selvittää katalyyttien fysikaalis-kemiallisten ominaisuuksien yhteyksiä dikloorimetaanin (DCM) hapetukseen. Tavoitteen saavuttamiseksi valmistettiin useita katalyyttejä, jotka karakterisoitiin ja testattiin DCM:n kokonaishapetuksessa. Työssä tutkittiin neljää jauhemaista metallioksidia (&#947;-Al2O3, TiO2, CeO2 ja MgO), kolmea metallioksidiseosta (Al2O3-xSiO2), jotka pinnoitettiin kordieriittimonoliitille, sekä neljää aktiivista ainetta: Pt, Cu, V and Mn. Aluksi työssä keskityttiin tukiaineiden ominaisuuksiin. Työn tulokset osoittivat, että DCM:n konversio ja HCl:n tuotanto ovat riippuvaisia tukiaineen happamuudesta. Paras tulos saavutettiin alumiinioksidilla, jolla oli korkein kokonaishappamuus. Lisäksi havaittiin, että sivutuotteiden laatu riippuu tukiaineen pinnalla olevien happopaikkojen tyypistä. Aktiivisen aineen impregnointi tukiaineeseen paransi materiaalin selektiivisyyttä. Tutkituista aineista Pt osoittautui parhaimmaksi, mutta myös V2O5 ja CuO olivat lähes yhtä hyviä. Erityisesti CuO-katalyytti, joka tuotti vähemmän sivutuotteita ja joka on materiaalina vähemmän haitallinen kuin V2O5, osoittautui lupaavaksi jalometallikatalyyttien korvaajaksi. Materiaalien stabiilisuuteen liittyen Pt/Al2O3-katalyytin toiminnassa ei havaittu muutoksia 55 tunnin testauksen jälkeen. Lisäksi CuCl2:n muodostuminen ei mallinnuksen mukaan ole termodynaamisesti todennäköistä tutkituissa reaktio-olosuhteissa. Jauhemaisen katalyytin hyvät ominaisuudet pystyttiin pinnoituksessa siirtämään monoliittirakenteiseen katalyyttiin. Pt/90Al2O3-10SiO2 -katalyytin aktiivisuus DCM:n hapetuksessa tehostui, kun monoliitin aukkoluku kasvoi aiheutuen suuremmasta geometrisestä pinta-alasta ja mekaanisesta eheystekijästä sekä pienemmästä avoimen pinnan osuudesta ja termisestä eheystekijästä.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:23:39Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2010-02-26Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:50:43Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 dib_fh_me_ilha.pdf: 1753088 bytes, checksum: 6f21fa7a5002d96add683e1ad3d75eb9 (MD5) / Neste trabalho são analisadas técnicas de produção do biodiesel a partir do óleo residual reciclado, visando a diversificação da matriz energética brasileira e minimização dos impactos ambientas decorrentes do descarte inadequado desses óleos. Antes do início da produção de biodiesel é necessária a realização de um pré-tratamento deste óleo, o que envolve processos de filtragem, secagem e determinação do teor de acidez, seguida de neutralização, pois de acordo com a porcentagem de ácidos graxos livres presentes na matéria-prima é que os métodos para obtenção dos ésteres são adotados. Primeiramente, foram realizados testes laboratoriais em pequena escala para produção de biodiesel, utilizando como matérias prima o óleo residual reciclado e o óleo de soja degomado para efeito comparativo, tendo sido utilizado hidróxido de sódio como catalisador e experimentadas as rotas metílica e etílica, não tendo sido obtidos resultados satisfatórios neste último caso. Em seguida, a produção foi expandida para uma escala semi-piloto, através da utilização de um reator com capacidade de produzir entre 75 e 80 litros de biodiesel por batelada, sendo neste caso utilizado apenas óleo residual reciclado e processo de transesterificação através da rota metílica, tendo o hidróxido de sódio como catalisador. Depois disso, foi feita a caracterização básica do biodiesel produzido, utilizando-se os equipamentos disponíveis, e foram realizados testes comparativos com outros tipos de biodiesel (Comercial, Vegetal e Animal) e frações de misturas (B25, B50, B75 e B100), tendo como base o biodiesel comercial (B5). Por fim, foram feitos testes com esses combustíveis em um moto-gerador diesel de 6 kVA, variando-se a carga de 0 a 3 kW e determinando-se o consumo específico e a temperatura dos gases de exaustão... / This study analyzes the technical production of biodiesel from waste oil recycling, aimed at diversifying the Brazilian energy matrix and minimizing the environmental impacts of inadequate disposal of waste oils. Before the production of biodiesel it is necessary to perform a previous treatment of this oil, which involves processes of filtration, drying and determination of acidity, followed by neutralization, because according to the percentage of free fatty acids present in the raw material is that the methods for obtaining the esters are defined. Firstly, laboratory tests were performed on a small scale biodiesel production using raw materials like soybean oil and recycle waste soybean oil for comparison, having been used sodium hydroxide as catalyst and tested methyl and ethyl routes, being no obtained satisfactory results in this last case. Then, the production was expanded to a semi-pilot scale, using a reactor that can produces between 75 and 80 liters of biodiesel per batch, being in which case only used recycle waste oil and the transesterification process using methanol route, with sodium hydroxide as catalyst. After that, a basic characterization of biodiesel had been done, using equipment available, and were conducted comparative tests with other types of biodiesel (commercial, vegetable and animal) and fractions of blends (B25, B50, B75 and B100), with commercial biodiesel like base of comparison (B5). Finally, tests were performed with these fuels in a 6 kVA diesel generator set, varying a resistive load from 0 to 3 kW and determining the specific consumption and temperature of the exhaust gases. Analyzing the results, it was verified that the physical and chemical properties measured are within acceptable limits, with density between 0,871 and 0,910 g/ml, viscosity between 3,9 and 6,1 cSt and flash point between 51 and 183°C,... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Submitted by Johnny Rodrigues (johnnyrodrigues@ufcg.edu.br) on 2018-03-26T21:20:25Z No. of bitstreams: 1 JANAÍNA CONSTANTINO MARINHO - TESE PPGEQ 2016..pdf: 1825861 bytes, checksum: 4cb88f067137c0851810c2b6480fed29 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-03-26T21:20:25Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 JANAÍNA CONSTANTINO MARINHO - TESE PPGEQ 2016..pdf: 1825861 bytes, checksum: 4cb88f067137c0851810c2b6480fed29 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016 / Capes / O trabalho teve como objetivo preparar peneiras moleculares mesoporosas SBA15 e Al-SBA-15 com diferentes razões Si/Al de 10, 25, 50, 75 e 100 e utilizá-las na reação de transesterificação do óleo de soja com etanol para produção do biodiesel. Os catalisadores SBA-15 e Al-SBA-15 (Si/Al=10) foram selecionados e testados na reação para produzir éster etílico, monoglícerideos, diglicerídeos e glicerol. O método hidrotérmico, em condições estáticas, foi utilizado para sintetizar a peneira molecular SBA-15. A peneira mesoporosa Al-SBA-15 foi preparada por método de síntese direta na SBA-15, e a fonte de alumina utilizada foi a Pseudobohemita (AlOOH). Todas as amostras foram caracterizadas quanto à sua estrutura e textura por DRX e Adsorção física de N2. Além disso, foram caracterizadas por TG/ATD, MEV, FTIR. A acidez gerada a partir da incorporação do alumínio na estrutura da SBA-15 foi avaliada por TPD-NH3. A reação de transesterificação do óleo de soja foi conduzida em reator batelada, sem agitação, durante diferentes tempos de reação, 6, 12, 24 e 48 horas a 200 ºC, utilizando uma relação óleo/álcool etílico 12:1 e 5% de catalisador (SBA-15 e Al-SBA-15 (10)). Os produtos da reação foram caracterizados por Viscosidade Cinemática e Cromatografia Gasosa. O sucesso das sínteses das peneiras moleculares SBA15 e Al-SBA-15 foram evidenciadas por todas as técnicas utilizadas. Todos os materiais foram obtidos com alto grau de ordenação hexagonal evidenciado por DRX, mostraram aspectos do tipo vermicular com aparência de colares entrelaçados, visualizados por MEV e apresentaram isotermas com perfil do tipo IV, características de materiais mesoporosos. O resultado da viscosidade cinemática obtido para SBA-15 com 48 horas de reação (6,49 mm2/s) está próximo da faixa de valores obtido pela norma da Agência Nacional de Petróleo, Gás Natural e Biocombustíveis (ANP) e os padrões internacionais de biodiesel ASTM D6751-02 e EN 14214. E o valor da viscosidade cinemática para a Al-SBA15 (10) com 48 horas de reação (10,43 mm2/s) está fora da faixa das normas. Os catalisadores selecionados (SBA-15 e Al-SBA-15 (10)) foram submetidos à reação de transesterificação do óleo de soja com etanol e o catalisador Al-SBA-15 (10) foi mais eficiente que o catalisador SBA-15. O valor da conversão para o catalisador Al-SBA-15 (10) foi de 96,50%. / The present study aimed to prepare mesoporous molecular sieves SBA-15 and AlSBA-15 with Si/Al ratios of 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100 and use them in the transesterification of soybean oil with ethanol for production biodiesel. The catalysts SBA-15 and Al-SBA-15 (Si/Al=10) were selected and tested on reaction to produce ethyl ester, monoglycerides, diglycerides and glycerol. The hydrothermal method under static conditions, was used to synthesize the molecular sieve SBA-15. The mesoporous sieve Al-SBA-15 was prepared by direct synthesis method in SBA-15, and the alumina source used was pseudoboehmite (AlOOH). All samples were characterized in concerning to its structure and texture by XRD and N2 physical adsorption. Moreover, they were characterized by TG/DTA, SEM, FTIR. The acidity generated from aluminum incorporation into the structure of SBA-15 was evaluated by TPD-NH3. The transesterification reaction of soybean oil was carried out in a batch reactor, without stirring, for reaction times of 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours at 200 °C using a 12:1 oil/ethanol relation and 5% of the catalyst (SBA-15 e Al-SBA-15 (10)). The reaction products were characterized by Kinematic Viscosity and Gas Chromatography. The success of the synthesis of molecular sieves SBA-15 and Al-SBA-15 were observed for all the techniques used. All the materials were obtained with a high hexagonal ordering degree, demonstrated by XRD, showed aspects of vermicular type with intertwined necklace appearance, visualized by SEM and showed isotherm with type IV profile, which is a characteristics of mesoporous material. The result of the kinematic viscosity obtained for SBA-15 with 48 hours of reaction (6.49 mm2/s) is close to the range of values obtained by the National Petroleum standard, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP) and the international standards of biodiesel ASTM D6751-02 and EN 14214. And the value of kinematic viscosity for Al-SBA-15 (10) with 48 hours of reaction (10.43 mm2/s) is out of the standards range. The selected catalysts (SBA-15 and Al-SBA-15 (10)) was subjected to transesterification reaction of soybean oil with ethanol and the Al-SBA-15 (10) catalyst was more efficient than the SBA-15. The conversion value for the Al-SBA15 catalyst (10) was 96.50%.

Orientador: Ricardo Alan Verdu Ramos / Banca: Antonio João Diniz / Banca: Marcio Higa / Resumo: Neste trabalho são analisadas técnicas de produção do biodiesel a partir do óleo residual reciclado, visando a diversificação da matriz energética brasileira e minimização dos impactos ambientas decorrentes do descarte inadequado desses óleos. Antes do início da produção de biodiesel é necessária a realização de um pré-tratamento deste óleo, o que envolve processos de filtragem, secagem e determinação do teor de acidez, seguida de neutralização, pois de acordo com a porcentagem de ácidos graxos livres presentes na matéria-prima é que os métodos para obtenção dos ésteres são adotados. Primeiramente, foram realizados testes laboratoriais em pequena escala para produção de biodiesel, utilizando como matérias prima o óleo residual reciclado e o óleo de soja degomado para efeito comparativo, tendo sido utilizado hidróxido de sódio como catalisador e experimentadas as rotas metílica e etílica, não tendo sido obtidos resultados satisfatórios neste último caso. Em seguida, a produção foi expandida para uma escala semi-piloto, através da utilização de um reator com capacidade de produzir entre 75 e 80 litros de biodiesel por batelada, sendo neste caso utilizado apenas óleo residual reciclado e processo de transesterificação através da rota metílica, tendo o hidróxido de sódio como catalisador. Depois disso, foi feita a caracterização básica do biodiesel produzido, utilizando-se os equipamentos disponíveis, e foram realizados testes comparativos com outros tipos de biodiesel (Comercial, Vegetal e Animal) e frações de misturas (B25, B50, B75 e B100), tendo como base o biodiesel comercial (B5). Por fim, foram feitos testes com esses combustíveis em um moto-gerador diesel de 6 kVA, variando-se a carga de 0 a 3 kW e determinando-se o consumo específico e a temperatura dos gases de exaustão... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: This study analyzes the technical production of biodiesel from waste oil recycling, aimed at diversifying the Brazilian energy matrix and minimizing the environmental impacts of inadequate disposal of waste oils. Before the production of biodiesel it is necessary to perform a previous treatment of this oil, which involves processes of filtration, drying and determination of acidity, followed by neutralization, because according to the percentage of free fatty acids present in the raw material is that the methods for obtaining the esters are defined. Firstly, laboratory tests were performed on a small scale biodiesel production using raw materials like soybean oil and recycle waste soybean oil for comparison, having been used sodium hydroxide as catalyst and tested methyl and ethyl routes, being no obtained satisfactory results in this last case. Then, the production was expanded to a semi-pilot scale, using a reactor that can produces between 75 and 80 liters of biodiesel per batch, being in which case only used recycle waste oil and the transesterification process using methanol route, with sodium hydroxide as catalyst. After that, a basic characterization of biodiesel had been done, using equipment available, and were conducted comparative tests with other types of biodiesel (commercial, vegetable and animal) and fractions of blends (B25, B50, B75 and B100), with commercial biodiesel like base of comparison (B5). Finally, tests were performed with these fuels in a 6 kVA diesel generator set, varying a resistive load from 0 to 3 kW and determining the specific consumption and temperature of the exhaust gases. Analyzing the results, it was verified that the physical and chemical properties measured are within acceptable limits, with density between 0,871 and 0,910 g/ml, viscosity between 3,9 and 6,1 cSt and flash point between 51 and 183°C,... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / Biodiesel is commonly produced by the transesterification reaction of oils or fats, in the presence of an alcohol of short chain and a catalyst. The development of suitable heterogeneous catalysts is important in order to propose alternative processes that are economically viable for biodiesel production as well as to facilitate the purification steps. In this research, two different catalysts (calcium oxide, CaO, and sodium zirconate, Na2ZrO3) were evaluated for biodiesel production in their free form and also supported on polymeric materials. Moreover, different reactor configurations were evaluated: reactor with magnetic stirring (MS), with recycle (RL) and with ultrasonic agitation (US). For the assays with CaO, the obtained reaction yield was approximately the same (80% of Fatty Acid Methyl Esther - FAME) in the three proposed reactor configurations. The reusability of CaO was evaluated in the ultrasonic reactor, but the results were not satisfactory for more than the first reaction cycle due to the catalyst deactivation. Moreover, the polymers evaluated to support CaO did no resist the reaction conditions. The catalyst Na2ZrO3 was evaluated in its free form and also supported in poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and in reactors with magnetic stirring and with ultrasonic agitations. The obtained kinetic profile showed that, in the beginning, the reaction is slower in the ultrasonic reactor than in the reactor with magnetic stirring. However, at the end, both reactor configurations reached the same yield. A composite central planning was carried out to evaluate the optimal conditions of methanol:oil molar ration and catalyst loading (%) when using the free and supported catalysts and in the magnetic stirring and ultrasonic reactor. The answer was evaluated in terms of %FAME and viscosity. Reactions were performed at a fixed temperature and time (55°C and 6 h). Different answers were obtained for the different reactor configurations. For the free catalyst in the reactor with magnetic stirring, great values of %FAME and low values of viscosity are obtained in the central region of the composite central planning. For the free catalyst in the ultrasonic reactor, the best values are obtained at higher values of methanol:oil molar ratio and at the central region of the catalyst loading. For the supported catalyst in the reactor with magnetic stirring, the best values are obtained in the region of 5 to 7% of catalyst loading and methanol:oil molar ratio of 10:1 to 30:1. For the supported catalyst in the ultrasonic reactor, the best values are obtained at higher methanol:oil molar ratios, but at lower catalyst loadings. These results are associated with the mass transfers related to the different degree of agitation in both reactors and to the accessibility to active sites of the catalyst. The catalyst reuse was evaluated in five sequential baths without intermediated washings with solvents. For both reactor configurations, the Na2ZrO3 presented suitable stability. Results showed that the heterogeneous catalysis is a viable alternative for biodiesel production. Moreover, the utilization of a supported catalyst is feasible due to the easier catalyst recovery. The ultrasonic assisted reactor is also a suitable alternative. / Um dos processos mais comuns para a obtenção do biodiesel é a transesterificação de óleos ou gorduras, na presença de um álcool de cadeia curta e de um catalisador. O desenvolvimento de catalisadores heterogêneos eficientes é relevante na busca de processos alternativos que sejam economicamente viáveis para a produção comercial de biodiesel e para redução de etapas de purificação. Neste trabalho, estudou-se óxido de cálcio (CaO) e zirconato de sódio (Na2ZrO3) em suas formas livre e em suportado materiais poliméricos como catalisadores para produção de biodiesel utilizando-se diferentes configurações de reatores, sendo elas: reator com agitação magnética (MS), com reciclo (RL) e com agitação ultrassônica (US). Para os ensaios com CaO, utilizaram-se as três configurações de reatores propostas e o rendimento, que foi avaliado por meio do teor de ésteres no biodiesel também conhecido como FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Esther), das reações foi semelhante (aproximadamente 80%). O reuso do CaO foi avaliado em agitação ultrassônica, porém não apresentou resultados satisfatórios além do primeiro ciclo, dada a inativação do catalisador. Além disso, os polímeros avaliados para suportar CaO não resistiram às condições reacionais. Para o catalisador Na2ZrO3 nas formas livre e suportado em poli (vinil álcool) (PVA), avaliou-se o perfil da %FAME ao longo da reação nos reatores com agitação magnética e em ultrassom. Os resultados mostraram que apesar da reação se proceder de forma mais lenta no início quando realizada em ultrassom, ao final do processo obteve-se conversão semelhante para as duas configurações de reator e catalisador. Para cada configuração de reator e condição do catalisador foi realizado um planejamento composto central (PCC) para se avaliar as condições ótimas de quantidade de catalisador e razão molar metanol:óleo, em termos de viscosidade e % FAME como resposta, utilizando o zirconato de sódio Na2ZrO3 como catalisador alcalino nas formas livre e suportado em (PVA) a uma temperatura de 55°C e tempo de reação de 6 h. Os resultados de %FAME e viscosidade foram avaliados pela superfície de resposta obtida para cada tipo de reator e forma de catalisador. Percebeu-se que na região central do PCC se encontram valores elevados de % de FAME e baixa viscosidade para o catalisador livre em reator MS. Para o reator US, foram encontrados valores maiores na região com elevadas RM e quantidade de catalisador na região central. Para o catalisador suportado em PVA, os melhores resultados de % de FAME e viscosidade foram encontrados, em reator MS, na região de 5 a 7% de catalisador e RM (metanol:óleo) de 10:1 a 30:1, enquanto para o reator US foram encontrados os melhores resultados também em elevada RM, porém com baixa quantidade de catalisador. Estes resultados podem ser explicados pelas diferentes velocidades de transferência de massa (agitação) nos dois reatores e pelas diferentes transferências de massa no interior do catalisador quando este se encontra na sua forma livre ou suportado. A reutilização do catalisador foi avaliada realizando-se bateladas sequenciais com o mesmo catalisador ao longo de cinco ciclos de reação nas mesmas condições da reação com o catalisador novo (1° ciclo), sem a utilização de solvente para lavagem. Para os dois tipos de reatores (MS e US) o Na2ZrO3 apresentou resultados satisfatórios para a transesterificação do óleo de soja, tanto para a forma livre quanto suportada em PVA e ainda apresentou comportamento que favorece a reutilização deste catalisador por ciclos consecutivos. Os resultados mostraram que a catálise heterogênea é uma alternativa viável para produção de biodiesel. Além disso, a utilização do catalisador suportado pode ser uma vantagem no que se refere a recuperação do catalisador do meio reacional. A agitação em banho ultrassônico também se mostrou uma alternativa viável. / Mestre em Engenharia Química

La biomasse végétale (source de carbone renouvelable) peut être utilisée pour fabriquer des carburants liquides et produits de base pour la chimie. Ainsi depuis environ une dizaine d'années, se développe le procédé APHDO (Aqueous Phase HydroDeOxygenation) de transformation directe en phase aqueuse de polyols d'origine lignocellulosique (comme le sorbitol) en alcanes valorisables (C5-C6). Ce procédé repose sur une catalyse hétérogène bifonctionnelle métal/acide et fait intervenir des ruptures compétitives de liaisons C-C et C-O. L'objectif de la thèse est de mettre au point des systèmes bimétalliques supportés actifs et sélectifs pour la transformation du sorbitol en hexane. La modification d'un catalyseur de référence Pt/SiO2-Al2O3 par ajout de Re, Ir, Pd, Rh et Ru est effectuée par trois techniques de synthèse : co-imprégnation, imprégnations successives et dépôt par réduction catalytique. Les performances des catalyseurs bimétalliques sont comparées à isoconversion de sorbitol à celles des catalyseurs monométalliques parents pour un test catalytique réalisé en autoclave, avec une solution aqueuse à 10% massique de sorbitol, à 240°C et 60 bar de pression totale sous H2. Les produits se répartissent en phase gaz (CO2, alcanes en C1-C6) et liquide (composés oxygénés). Le sorbitane et l'isosorbide sont majoritairement formés en phase liquide, le dernier étant un intermédiaire clé de la transformation du sorbitol dans cette étude. Les catalyseurs Pt-Ru/SiO2-Al2O3 s'avèrent les plus sélectifs pour la réaction, celui préparé par imprégnations successives conduisant à une plus forte proportion de C6 en phase gaz comparé aux deux monométalliques Pt/SiO2-Al2O3 et Ru/SiO2-Al2O3. / Plant Biomass (renewable source of carbon) can be used to make liquid fuels and basic products of chemistry. So, from about ten years, the APHDO (Aqueous Phase HydroDeOxygenation) process is developed for the direct transformation in aqueous phase of polyols from Biomass (such as sorbitol) into renewable alkanes (C5-C6). This process involves a metal/acid bifunctional heterogeneous catalysis and competitive C-O and C-C bond cleavages. The aim of the PhD work is to develop supported bimetallic systems active and selective for the transformation of sorbitol into hexane. The modification of a reference Pt/SiO2-Al2O3 catalyst by addition of Re, Ir, Pd, Rh and Ru is carried out by three synthesis methods: co-impregnation, successive impregnations and deposit by catalytic reduction. The performances of bimetallic catalysts are compared at sorbitol isoconversion to those of the parent monometallic catalysts for a catalytic test carried out in an autoclave with an aqueous solution of sorbitol (10 wt%) at 240°C and 60 bar total pressure under dihydrogen. The products are distributed in the gas phase (CO2, C1-C6 alkanes) and in the liquid phase (oxygenated compounds). Sorbitan and isosorbide are predominantly formed in the liquid phase, the latter being a key intermediate of sorbitol transformation in this study. Pt-Ru/SiO2-Al2O3 catalysts are the most selective for the reaction, the one prepared by successive impregnations leads to a higher proportion of C6 in gaseous phase compared to both monometallic Pt/SiO2-Al2O3 and Ru/SiO2-Al2O3 catalysts.

Doctor Scientiae - DSc / In this study novel composite electrodes were developed, in which the catalytic components were deposited in nanoparticulate form. The efficiency of the nanophase catalysts and membrane electrodes were tested in an important electrocatalytic process, namely hydrogen production by water electrolysis, for renewable energy systems. The activity of electrocatalytic nanostructured electrodes for hydrogen production by water electrolysis were compared with that of more conventional electrodes. Development of the methodology of preparing nanophase materials in a rapid, efficient and simple manner was investigated for potential application at industrial scale. Comparisons with industry standards were performed and electrodes with incorporated nanophases were characterized and evaluated for activity and durability. / South Africa

<p>The increase in shale gas exploitation has motivated the studies towards new processes for converting light alkanes into higher valuable chemicals, including fuels. The works in this dissertation focuses on two processes: propane dehydrogenation and ethylene oligomerization. The former involves the conversion of propane into propylene and hydrogen, while the latter converts light alkenes into higher molecular weight products, such as butylene and hexene. </p> <p>The thesis project focuses on understanding the effect of geometric effects of Pt alloy catalysts for propane dehydrogenation and the methodologies for their characterization. Pt-Co bimetallic catalysts were synthesized with increasing Co loadings, characterized and evaluated for its propane dehydrogenation performance. In-situ synchrotron X-Ray Powder Diffraction (XRD) and X-Ray Absorption (XAS) were used to identify and differentiate between the intermetallic compound phases in the nanoparticle surface and core. Difference spectra between oxidized and reduced catalysts suggested that, despite the increase in Co loading, the catalytic surface remained the same, Pt₃Co in a Au₃Cu structure, while the core became richer in Co, changing from a monometallic Pt fcc core at the lowest Co loading to a PtCo phase in a AuCu structure at the highest loading. Co^II single sites were also observed on the surface, due to non-reduced Co species. The catalytic performance towards propane dehydrogenation reinforced this structure, as propylene selectivity was around 96% for all catalysts, albeit the difference in composition. The Turnover Rate (TOR) of these catalysts was also similar to that of monometallic Pt catalysts, around 0.9 s^-1, suggesting Pt was the active site, while Co atoms behaved as non-active, despite both atoms being active in their monometallic counterparts.</p> <p>In the second project, a single site Co^II catalyst supported on SiO₂ was evaluated for ethylene oligomerization activity. The catalyst was synthesized, evaluated for propane dehydrogenation, propylene hydrogenation and ethylene oligomerization activities and characterized <i>in-situ</i> by XAS and EXAFS and H₂/D₂ exchange experiments. The catalysts have shown negligible conversion at 250^oC for ethylene oligomerization, while a benchmark Ni/SiO₂ catalyst had about 20% conversion and TOR of 2.3x10^-1 s^-1. However, as the temperature increased to above 300^oC, ethylene conversion increased significantly, reaching about 98% above 425^oC. <i>In-situ</i> XANES and EXAFS characterization suggested that H₂ uptake under pure H₂ increased in about two-fold from 200^oC to 500^oC, due to the loss of coordination of Co-O bonds and formation of Co-H bonds. This was further confirmed by H₂/D₂ experiments with a two-fold increase in HD formation per mole of Co. <i>In-situ</i> XAS characterization was also performed with pure C­₂H₄ at 200^oC showed a similar trend in Co-O bond loss, suggesting the formation of Co-alkyl, similarly to that of Co-H. The <i>in-situ</i> XANES spectra showed that the oxidation state remained stable as a Co²⁺ despite the change in the coordination environment, suggesting that the reactions occurs through a non-redox mechanism. These combined results allowed the proposition of a reaction pathway for dehydrogenation and oligomerization reactions, which undergo a similar reaction intermediate, a Metal-alkyl or Metal-Hydride intermediates, activating C-H bonds at high temperatures.</p>