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Electrochemical Hydrogenation of Acetone to Produce Isopropanol Using a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Reactor

Author

Listed:
  • Chen Li

    (Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA)

  • Ashanti M. Sallee

    (Department of Chemistry, Hampton University, Hampton, VA 23668, USA)

  • Xiaoyu Zhang

    (Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA)

  • Sandeep Kumar

    (Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA)

Abstract

Electrochemical hydrogenation (ECH) of acetone is a relatively new method to produce isopropanol. It provides an alternative way of upgrading bio-fuels with less energy consumption and chemical waste as compared to conventional methods. In this paper, Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) hardware was used as an electrochemical reactor to hydrogenate acetone to produce isopropanol and diisopropyl ether as a byproduct. High current efficiency (59.7%) and selectivity (>90%) were achieved, while ECH was carried out in mild conditions (65 °C and atmospheric pressure). Various operating parameters were evaluated to determine their effects on the yield of acetone and the overall efficiency of ECH. The results show that an increase in humidity increased the yield of propanol and the efficiency of ECH. The operating temperature and power supply, however, have less effect. The degradation of membranes due to contamination of PEMFC and the mitigation methods were also investigated.

Suggested Citation

  • Chen Li & Ashanti M. Sallee & Xiaoyu Zhang & Sandeep Kumar, 2018. "Electrochemical Hydrogenation of Acetone to Produce Isopropanol Using a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Reactor," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(10), pages 1-17, October.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:11:y:2018:i:10:p:2691-:d:174524
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Wang, Yun & Chen, Ken S. & Mishler, Jeffrey & Cho, Sung Chan & Adroher, Xavier Cordobes, 2011. "A review of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells: Technology, applications, and needs on fundamental research," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 88(4), pages 981-1007, April.
    3. Yuan, Wei & Tang, Yong & Pan, Minqiang & Li, Zongtao & Tang, Biao, 2010. "Model prediction of effects of operating parameters on proton exchange membrane fuel cell performance," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 35(3), pages 656-666.
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    Cited by:

    1. Mohammed Yousri Silaa & Mohamed Derbeli & Oscar Barambones & Ali Cheknane, 2020. "Design and Implementation of High Order Sliding Mode Control for PEMFC Power System," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(17), pages 1-15, August.
    2. Wei-Hsin Chen & Keat Teong Lee & Hwai Chyuan Ong, 2019. "Biofuel and Bioenergy Technology," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(2), pages 1-12, January.
    3. Mohamed Derbeli & Oscar Barambones & Jose Antonio Ramos-Hernanz & Lassaad Sbita, 2019. "Real-Time Implementation of a Super Twisting Algorithm for PEM Fuel Cell Power System," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(9), pages 1-20, April.

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