Microwave-assisted Isopropanol-to-Propylene Process with A Structured Co3O4@silicalite-1/SiC Foam Catalyst

Abstract

Microwave has a significant promotion effect in gas-solid phase catalysis due to its unque advantages of heating process. This study introduces an innovative approach that combines microwave irradiation with a structured foam catalyst, Co3O4@S1/SiC, to enhance the isopropanol-to-propylene (ITP) process. The effectiveness of Co3O4@S1/SiC foam was investigated under various reaction temperatures (50-200 °C) and space velocities (1200 h -1 ), in comparison to Co3O4@S1/SiC pellets. The Co3O4@S1/SiC foam exhibited superior performance, achieving a higher selectivity towards propylene (approximately 99%) compared to Co3O4@S1/SiC pellets (93%). This enhancement can be attributed to improved mass and heat transfers facilitated by the foam structure. Co3O4@S1/SiC foam for ITP process has a milder condition with microwave irradiation (121 °C for 90% conversion) than conventional heating (184 °C for 90% conversion).