Catalytic Isopropanol Dehydration as a Model Reaction for Bio-Oil Conversion into Light Olefins

Abstract

Catalytic dehydration of isopropanol was studied as a model reaction for the conversion of bio-oil into light olefins. γ-Alumina synthesized in the laboratory and commercial ultrastable Y (USY) zeolite were used as catalysts. The catalytic activity and the effects of temperature, N2 flow, and catalyst loading were investigated. The highest conversions of isopropanol were achieved by employing USY zeolite. The model reaction tests also showed that a higher temperature favors a rise in the conversion of isopropanol. The increase in nitrogen flow allows better desorption of water molecules that possibly inhibit the reaction, thus increasing conversion. A higher catalyst loading also promoted a higher conversion of isopropanol due to the number of acidic sites available.