11-26: Simulation and optimization of catalytic conversion process of syngas to ethanol

Due to economic, geopolitical and environmental issues, the world's attention turned to alternative sources of energy, especially for ethanol. Ethanol is a product that can be obtained from the catalytic conversion of synthesis gas by hydrogenation of CO and/or CO₂. But, the use of appropriate supports and promoters is necessary to increase the catalytic activity and selectivity for ethanol associated with rhodium as a catalyst, since it has large potential for this reaction and, therefore, has been the subject of many studies. The effects of various supports and promoters have been extensively studied in recent decades to develop catalysts with high activity and selectivity for this alcohol; however, the results obtained so far do not enable economic production on a commercial scale. Also there are some controversies on the effect of some promoters as well as on the combined impact of different promoters and supports.  Bearing this in mind, and considering the wide range of ethanol applications, associated with a lower environmental impact, in this work was carried out the simulation  and optimization of catalytic synthesis of ethanol from the syngas using the simulator Aspen HYSYS. Some catalyst/promoters that showed to have larger potential were used and the evaluation covered not only the conversion and selectivity but also the difficulties and costs associated with the separation of the ethanol to attend fuel specification. It is possible to conclude that the right choice of the catalyst and promoters allow to have a suitable alternative to produce ethanol from syngas.