A low carbon route to ethylene: Ethane oxidative dehydrogenation with CO2 on embryonic zeolite supported Mo-carbide catalyst.

The study reports a novel catalyst based on supported molybdenum-carbide (Mo 2 C) phase for oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane with CO 2 (ODH-CO 2). The optimal result is obtained with MoS 2 -precursor as the intermediate supported on a non-acidic embryonic zeolite, which is transformed in situ to Mo 2 C (Mo 2 C@EZ). The ultimate catalyst and its intermediates are characterized. 66% conversion of ethane, 58% of ethylene yield, and 56% conversion of CO 2 to CO with the in situ co-produced hydrogen obtained from ethane to ethylene transformation are the achievements of utilizing Mo 2 C@EZ. The performed techno-economic study on Mo 2 C@EZ results in a potentially CO 2 negative route for ethylene production with 109% of CO 2 reduction per ton of produced ethylene in comparison with a conventional ethane cracker. The process is expected to be cheaper in capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operating expenses (OPEX) thanks to a simpler product slate, lower energy demand, and no requirement for steam dilution. [Display omitted] • Embryonic zeolite supported Mo 2 C catalyst is prepared and comprehensively characterized. • The catalyst is employed for oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane with CO 2 (ODH-CO 2). • The proposed catalyst allows designing a potentially CO 2 negative technology. • 109% of CO 2 reduction in comparison to state-of-the-art ethane cracker is achieved. • A technico-economical analysis of the proposed ODH-CO 2 process is performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]