Assisted Electrochemical Hydroconversion of Heterocompounds Present in Fuel and Oil Using Active Hydrogen Passing through a Pd Membrane

摘要

The assisted electrochemical conversion of thiophenes, pyridines, porphyrins, and metalloporphyrins using active hydrogen passing through a Pd membrane is reported. This novel process has potential implications in the hydrotreating field, because relatively high conversions can be achieved for reactions performed under mild conditions (25° C and 1 atm), applying an optimum current density value to produce atomic hydrogen through the well-known water electrolysis process. Some applications are envisaged for this process still in embryonic phases: (1) the finishing process to produce ultra-low-sulfur fuels; (2) terminal hydrotreating, and (3) small or medium-sized refineries.