hydrogenated alkenes, alkynes,aromatic imines and aldehydes in thepresence of solvent (water, ethanol ora water-ethanol mixture). Thescientists created iron nanoparticlesinside a polymer matrix to prevent theiron from rusting while allowingreactants access to catalytically activesites. To make the catalysts, thescientists synthesized ironnanoparticles attached to polystyrene(PS) beads via chains of polyethyleneglycol (PEG) with terminal functionalgroups. The polymer-supported ironnanoparticles were then tested in aflow reactor. The hydrogenation of astyrene double bond served as themodel reaction to optimize theconditions. After optimizing theconditions, the researchers exploredselectivity where they found that thecatalyst is highly active for aromaticalkene hydrogenation, with a yield of98-100% and selectivity of 100%. The catalyst is also moderatelyefficient at producing aliphatic alkenes(yield of 67%, selectivity of 100%) andalkynes (yield of 73-79%, selectivity of87-91%). Finally, the scientistsperformed a scale-up test byhydrogenating 5 g of cinnamyl acetateto make cinnamyl alcohol. Hourlysnapshots taken over a 5.7 hourperiod indicate a slight oxidation ofthe iron nanoparticles, from a yield of97% to 94%. These results, however,are still much better than can beachieved with unprotected ironnanoparticles, according to scientists,because iron nanoparticles deactivateimmediately in the presence of wateror oxygen.

Original Source: Chemical Engineering Progress, Aug 2013, 8,10 (Website: http://www.aiche.org/cep) © American Institute of Chemical Engineers 2013

LanzaTech microbes to convert steeloffgas into fuel

A ten-year deal has been signed bySiemens Metals Technologies to helpoptimize LanzaTech’s microbialtechnique. The process will convertcarbon-rich gases from steel mills intoethanol and other downstreamchemicals. The biologicalfermentation process that has beenpatented by LanzaTech will use so-called offgas (which contains CO,CO2 and H2) from converter, cokingplant or blast surface within a steelplant as a source of nutrients and

energy to feed its own proprietarymicrobes. The process can produceethanol and other chemicals includingacetic acid, acetone, isopropanol, n-butanol, or 2,3-butanediol. The carbonfootprint of the ethanol produced inthe process is 50-70% lower than thatof petroleum-based fuels. Also, itdoes not compete with foodproduction unlike conventionalbiofuels. Furthermore, SiemensMetals Technologies’ vice presidentsays that the usage of thisbiofermentation process will help thecompany reduce operating cost aswell as meet the government’sambitious emissions targets.LanzaTech has previously signeddeals with Virgin Atlantic for theproduction of aviation fuel from steelmill offgas and Petronas for theconversion of CO2 from refineryoffgas into acetic acid. LanzaTech hasbeen running a pilot plant in Auckland,New Zealand, which converts steelmill gases into ethanol. The companyalso operates two pre-commercialscale plants in China, with a capacityof 300 tonne/y each. The constructionof two commercial-scale facilities inChina is expected to begin later in2013.

Original Source: TCE (formerly The ChemicalEngineer), Jul 2013, (865), 6 (Website:http://www.tcetoday.com) © Institution of ChemicalEngineers 2013

BASF bags OK for composting

BASF’s Ecovio organic waste bagswere approved by the public worksdepartment of Ludwigshafen,Germany, for composting use. Theplastic bags are made from partiallybio-based Ecoflex and PLA (polylacticacid), a biodegradable plastic, makingthe bags capable of breakdown bymicroorganisms and enzymes.

Original Source: Film and Sheet Extrusion, Jul-Aug2013, 6 (Website: http://www.amiplastics.com/mags)© Applied Market Information Ltd 2013

PATENTSEthylene epoxidation in amicrochannel reactor

Ethylene is reacted with oxygen atabout 220° over a silver-containingcatalyst supported on alpha alumina

in a narrow tube with associated heat-exchanging tubes.

US 8,524,927, Velocys Inc, Plain City, OH, USA, 3 Sep2013

Catalytic cracking of biomass

Solid particles of biomass, in a carriergas, are introduced into a fluidizedbed of catalyst particles. The catalystis regenerated in an oxygen-containing gas at 500-800°.

US 8,524,959, KiOR Inc, Pasadena, TX, USA, 3 Sep2013

Base oils made from light olefins usingan ionic liquid catalyst

Base oils are the major componentsof lubricating oils. The olefins can bepropylene, 1-butene, or other loweralpha olefins. Exemplified catalystsare alkyl pyridinium chloroaluminates.

US 8,524,968, Chevron USA Inc, San Ramon, CA,USA, 3 Sep 2013

Selective catalyst for making cumene

Cumene is normally made frombenzene and propylene. The reactionis made more selective by the use ofa UZM-8 zeolite catalyst modified by asilanol.

US 8,524,966, UOP LLC, Des Plaines, IL, USA, 3 Sep2013

Syngas made from natural gas and CO2

Syngas is made from natural gas andCO2 using a combination of SRM(steam reforming of methanol) andCDR (carbon dioxide reforming ofmethanol). The catalyst is nickel onmagnesium aluminate, modified withCe or Zr.

US 8,524,119, Hyundai Heavy Industries Co Ltd andKorea Research Institute of Chemical Technology,Daejon, South Korea, 3 Sep 2013

Selective oxidation of H2S

A refinement of the Claus process inwhich the COS, CS2, and mercaptansare catalytically converted to H2S,which is then reacted with SO2 in theusual way. The catalyst is titaniumdioxide, with promoters, at 120-160°.

US 8,524,189. Shell Oil Co, Houston, TX, USA, 3 Sep2013

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