Elucidating the ionic liquid distribution in monolithic SILP hydroformylation catalysts by magnetic resonance imaging

Enthalten in
RSC Advances 
Volume
10
Issue
31
Start Page
18487
End Page
18495
Citation
RSC Advances 31 (10): 18487-18495 (2020-05-15)
Publisher DOI
10.1039/c9ra09515b
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85085613421
Monolithic silicon carbide supported ionic liquid-phase (SILP) Rh-catalysts have very recently been introduced for gas-phase hydroformylation as an important step toward industrial upscaling. This study investigates the monolithic catalyst system in combination with different impregnation procedures with non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The findings were supported by X-ray microtomography (micro-CT) data of the monolithic pore structure and a catalytic performance test of the catalyst system for 1-butene gas-phase hydroformylation. MRI confirmed a homogeneous impregnation of the liquid phase throughout the full cross-section of the cylindrical monoliths. Consistent impregnations from one side to the other of the monoliths were achieved with a stabilizer in the system that helped preventing inhomogeneous rim formation. External influences relevant for industrial application, such as long-term storage and temperature exposure, did not affect the homogeneous liquid-phase distribution of the catalyst. The work elucidates important parameters to improve liquid-phase catalyst impregnation to obtain efficient monolithic catalysts for industrial exploitation in gas-phase hydroformylation as well as other important industrial processes.