Cleaner technology for the production of linear long chain α-olefins through a “millisecond” oxidative cracking process

Abstract

The oxidative cracking of n-decane was investigated at millisecond contact times over platinum alumina washcoated monoliths at a fuel-air equivalent ratio (Φ) of 5. High valuable linear α-olefins were so produced through an autothermal way concomitantly with oxygenated compounds, CO, CO2, H2 and H2O.A fine identification of reaction products coupled with the study of thermal phenomena occurring with both active and deactivated catalysts allowed to investigate the n-decane transformation mechanism and to discriminate heterogeneous and homogeneous reactions. This process is a 2-zone reaction system involving catalytic combustion of one part of reactant which provides enough heat for gas phase radical transformations initiation. Long chain hydrocarbons result from homogeneous decomposition of oxygenated intermediates such as decylperoxy radicals into aldehydes and α-olefins.