Issue 8, 2024

Understanding electrochemically induced olefin complexation: towards electrochemical olefin–paraffin separations

Abstract

Olefin–paraffin separation is a critical yet energy-intensive process in the chemical industry, accounting for over 250 trillion BTU per year of global energy consumption. This work explores the use of a redox-active nickel maleonitriledithiolate complex for olefin–paraffin separations. Key performance factors, namely the electrochemical oxidation of the complex and olefin capture utilization fraction, were systematically quantified. Electrochemical studies revealed near-complete oxidation of Ni(II) to Ni(IV) species, suggesting that the electrochemical oxidation step is not a limiting factor in olefin capture. The utilization fraction was found to be strongly dependent on the complexation equilibrium behavior between olefin-bound and unbound states of the complex. Time-resolved kinetic measurements unveiled a sluggish complexation rate, requiring over 36 hours to approach equilibrium. These insights highlight the importance of driving the complexation equilibrium and improving the kinetics to enhance the performance of Ni-based electrochemical swing absorbers for energy-efficient olefin–paraffin separations. The findings lay the groundwork for future optimization strategies and industrial implementation of this sustainable separation technology.

Graphical abstract: Understanding electrochemically induced olefin complexation: towards electrochemical olefin–paraffin separations

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
18 Mar 2024
Accepted
12 May 2024
First published
13 May 2024

React. Chem. Eng., 2024,9, 2171-2179

Understanding electrochemically induced olefin complexation: towards electrochemical olefin–paraffin separations

T. Akashige, R. Vemuri, C. A. Urbina Blanco and M. A. Modestino, React. Chem. Eng., 2024, 9, 2171 DOI: 10.1039/D4RE00145A

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