Development of Atom-Economical Catalytic Pathways for Conversions of Syngas to Energy Liquids

摘要

The subject of catalytic syngas conversions to fuels and chemicals is well studied (1-3). But globally, the recent focus is on development of technologies that offer an economical route to desired products (4). Economical transport of natural gas from remote locations and within clathrate hydrates is of continuing interest at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL). Under this project, a Liquid Phase Low Temperature (LPLT) concept is being applied to attain highly efficient transformations of natural-gas derived syngas to specific products. Furthermore, a more precise term "Atom Economy" has been recently introduced by Trost to describe development of highly efficient homogeneously catalyzed synthesis of organic molecules (5). Taken from reference 5, the term "Atom Economy" is defined as maximizing the number of atoms of all raw materials that end up in the product with any other reactant required in catalytic amount. For application to methane transformations that may involve one or more steps, atom economy of each of these steps is critical. We, therefore, consider atom economy synonymous with overall energy efficiency of a process. This paper describes potential liquid products from catalytic syngas conversions, i.e. gas to liquids (GTL) technologies and process considerations that are necessary for economical transport of natural gas. As such, the present study defines an atom economical standard to directly compare competing GTL technologies.