Advancements in Supported Liquid-Phase Catalyst Systems for Sustainable Industrial Hydroformylation
Sustainability becomes increasingly more critical in the chemical industry. The current PhD project focuses on improving the hydroformylation process by making it greener and more efficient. Hydroformylation is one of the largest and most important homogeneously catalyzed reactions in industry, with an annual production exceeding 10 million tons. The process is essential for producing aldehydes, which serve as intermediates for a wide range of chemicals, including alcohols, acids, and esters – compounds that are crucial in the manufacture of detergents, plasticizers, and pharmaceuticals among others.
The research in the project concentrates on developing and optimizing a specific type of catalyst known as a supported liquid-phase (SLP) catalyst. The goal is to improve the efficiency of the hydroformylation process, reducing both resource use and environmental impact. This involves investigating the catalytic components, reaction conditions, and material characterization to improve the performance of the SLP catalysts. The research aims not only to enhance the reaction but also to minimize waste and reduce energy consumption - key objectives in advancing sustainable industrial practices.
This research is part of the MACBETH (Membranes And Catalysts Beyond Economic and Technological Hurdles) project, a European initiative aimed at process intensification. The MACBETH project has introduced an innovative catalytic membrane reactor (CMR), which integrates chemical reactions with downstream operations into a single, efficient system. This cutting-edge technology has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 35%, enhance resource and energy efficiency by up to 70%, and lower capital expenditures (CAPEX) by up to 50% and operational expenditures (OPEX) by up to 80%. These advancements offer substantial environmental and economic benefits.
Overall, this research provides valuable insights into sustainable chemistry, offering innovative solutions that could transform industrial processes to be more eco-friendly and cost-effective.
Principal Supervisor:
Professor Anders Riisager, DTU Chemistry
Co-supervisor:
Senior Researcher Leonhard Schill, DTU Chemistry
Professor Emeritus Rasmus Fehrmann, DTU Chemistry
Examiners:
Professor Søren Kegnæs, DTU Chemistry
Research Associate Eduardo José García-Suarez, CIC energiGUNE, Spain
Professor Christian Hulteberg, Lund University, Sweden
Chairperson:
Associate Professor Susanne Mossin, DTU Chemistry