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Thesis
Home   /   Thesis   /   Development of mixed oxide-based catalysts for the valorization of bioethanol into butanol

Development of mixed oxide-based catalysts for the valorization of bioethanol into butanol

Chemistry Condensed matter physics, chemistry & nanosciences Ultra-divided matter, Physical sciences for materials

Abstract

The production of biobutanol from bioethanol via the Guerbet reaction is an important process for improving the valorization of biomass into new generation biofuels. The objective of this thesis is to develop new catalysts based on mixed oxides which allow this reaction in the liquid phase. The starting formulation is the CuMgAl mixed oxide of hydrotalcite type. Partial or total substitutions in the Cu and Al sites by Ni and/or Co and Ce and/or La respectively will be studied as well as a modulation of the microstructure via the use of different synthesis routes (NPG, alginate, etc.). ). Once synthesized, the oxides will be characterized by classic XRD, SEM, BET/BJH, ATG, high-resolution TEM methods, but also by TDP of NH3 and CO2 in order to determine the quantity of acidic and basic sites. The synthesized catalysts will then be tested in the Guerbet reaction of ethanol in the liquid phase, in a batch reactor, the products being analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry to determine the conversion rates but also the selectivity of conversion to butanol. After an initial screening, complete kinetic studies will be carried out on the 2 or 3 most promising formulations by varying all the parameters (temperature, quantity of catalysts, moisture absorber, etc.). Post-reaction characterizations will be carried out to study possible deactivation of the catalysts by coking phenomena. Finally, it will be considered to develop a continuous process in order to overcome the disadvantages of a discontinuous batch process. This thesis subject therefore presents a multidisciplinary dimension with a material aspect and an organic chemistry component, in the context of heterogeneous catalysis. The profile of the candidate sought must therefore allow them to address these different experimental aspects. An interest in chemical engineering will be a plus for the definition of a continuous process, the last part of this work. Valuation in the form of patents and then communications in international conferences or A-rank scientific journals will be sought, allowing good integration into the professional environment in the buoyant energy transition market.

Laboratory

Département de recherche sur les procédés pour la mine et le recyclage du combustible
Service des Technologies Durables pour le Cycle des matières
Laboratoire de développement de procédés pour le Recyclage et la Valorisation
Montpellier
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