Ethylene Oxide Catalysis Under Commercial Conditions – A Guide for Researchers

• Published in: ChemCatChem Vol. 15; no. 13
• Main Authors: Lockemeyer, John R., Lohr, Tracy L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Weinheim Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 07-07-2023
• Subjects: Aluminum oxide; Catalysis; Catalysts; chloride moderators; Chlorides; commercial runs; Cs optimization; Epoxidation; Ethylene oxide; Moderators; Optimization; Oxidation; silver
• ISSN: 1867-3880; 1867-3899
• DOI: 10.1002/cctc.202201511

Selective oxidation of ethylene to ethylene oxide (EO) is performed industrially over catalysts comprised of silver particles supported on α‐Al2O3. In addition to various oxy‐anion and alkali promotors, alkyl chloride species (“chloride moderators”) are continuously introduced into commercial reactors. The effect and usage of chloride moderators is a key requirement for industrial ethylene epoxidation catalysts to reach optimal selectivity. While not an exhaustive review, the aim of this perspective is to provide guidance to academic researchers on the operation of EO catalysts under commercially relevant conditions with particular focus on the importance of performance optimization.
Catalysts in Industry: The epoxidation of ethylene to ethylene oxide (EO) is performed on commercial scale in the presence of a chloride moderator. Chloride, Cs optimization, and CO2 level dramatically affect selectivity and activity in both Re and non‐Re promoted catalysts and are important to consider when conducting EO catalyst research.