Work

Phase change material integrated core–shell catalyst for in situ thermal control in methanol synthesis from syngas

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: A model‐guided core–shell catalyst design is presented for methanol synthesis, featuring a phase change material (PCM) core encapsulated by a Cu–Zn–AlO (CZA) catalytic shell. The PCM enables in situ thermal management by absorbing reaction heat at its melting point, mitigates the kinetic decline at high temperatures and therefore avoids low conversion, prevents hot spots, and stabilizes the reaction temperature. A two‐dimensional axisymmetric, non‐isothermal packed‐bed reactor model (COMSOL 6.3) was developed for a 10 g system. Simulations evaluate three PCM candidates, that is, LiNO, 9 wt% LiCl + 91 wt% LiNO, and commercial H250, with melting points near 244–250°C. Results indicate that CO conversion can increase from 34.4% to 52.4%, and methanol production can improve by 69% compared to a conventional packed‐bed reactor. Beyond methanol synthesis, the PCM‐integrated core–shell concept provides a scalable approach for thermal control in exothermic reactions, improving reactor efficiency and safety.

Source: AIChE Journal

DOI: 10.1002/aic.70159

Authors: Canan Karakaya, Tugba Turnaoglu

Institution: Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Language: English

Topic: Catalysts for Methane Reforming

Subfield: Catalysis

Field: Chemical Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,940