A time- and space-resolved catalyst deactivation study on the conversion of glycerol to aromatics using H-ZSM-5

A time- and space-resolved deactivation study on the conversion of glycerol to aromatics over H-ZSM-5 was performed. For this purpose, vaporized/pyrolyzed in a pyrolysis section followed by catalytic aromatization step. Benchmark performance showed an induction period ca. 20 min, rather constant BTX yield 25.4 ± 2.2C.% for 3–4 h time stream (TOS). Subsequently, rapid drop observed due catalyst deactivation. Severe coking leads coverage surface area blockage micropores, particularly at entrance bed short TOS, indicating presence axial coke gradient fixed reactor. At longer formed throughout negligible shown be associated with all positions. Besides coking, acidity also reduced, dealumination occurred, both similar time–space evolution. The results were explained conversion-zone migration model, which includes zone (with severely coked catalyst), (BTX formation), (a.o. (de-)alkylation reactions), describes evolution relevant changes other characteristics.