Kolbe Electrolysis for the Conversion of Carboxylic Acids to Valuable Products—A Process Design Study

The substitution of fossil resources by renewable alternatives is a major challenge for our society. Kolbe electrolysis converts carboxylic acids to hydrocarbons, which can be used as base chemicals, specialty or fuels. Carboxylic may retrieved from biomass residues and, in consequence, sustainable feedstock. Since the has only been investigated lab scale, this work proposes first basic engineering design study on process development continuously working process. Thermophysical data, including solubility and boiling point, are gain insight into requirements equipment such separation processes parameters operating temperature. Furthermore, Aspen Plus was retrieve information acid equilibria azeotropes. three different feedstocks (acetic acid, valeric lauric acid) performed. shows that most units rather straightforward rely state art technologies. addition an alkaline catalyst improves deprotonation but cost possibly lower product selectivity. Elevation temperature above Krafft point necessary long-chain fatty acids. interesting technology future production based electricity sources.