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 (Mo2C) phase for oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane with CO2 (ODH-CO2). The optimal result is obtained with MoS2-precursor as the intermediate supported on a non-acidic embryonic zeolite, which is transformed in situ to Mo2C (Mo2C@EZ). The ultimate catalyst and its intermediates are characterized. 66% conversion of ethane, 58% of ethylene yield, and 56% conversion of CO2 to CO with the in situ co-produced hydrogen obtained from ethane to ethylene transformation are the achievements of utilizing Mo2C@EZ. The performed techno-economic study on Mo2C@EZ results in a potentially CO2 negative route for ethylene production with 109% of CO2 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.