Abstract
The influence of the morphology of the sulfonic resins on their catalytic properties for the etherification of ethanol with isobutylene has been analyzed. It is shown that the influence of the morphology is complex, and can be manifested through various factors: the accessibility and energetics of acid sites, the adsorption–desorption dynamics of reagents, and the mass transfer conditions. It has been established that the effect of morphology on the acidity of sulfonic resin is manifested in the difference of the energetics of external and internal acid sites. Regardless of morphology, the stoichiometry of ethanol sorption on sulfonic resins corresponds to 1 molecule per 1 acid site. The volcano-shape temperature dependence of the activity of sulfonic resins for ethanol etherification is due to the thermodynamics of the reaction (high-temperature branch) and the mass transfer characteristics of the catalyst (low-temperature branch). Due to various conditions of the mass transfer, the morphology determines the optimal process temperature and, consequently, the activity of the catalyst.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
