Optimization of dual-functional membrane and application for esterification enhancement

Publication date: Available online 3 April 2019Source: Chemical Engineering and Processing - Process IntensificationAuthor(s): Yuewen Li, Li Zhang, Weixing Li, Weihong XingAbstractPoly (styrene sulfonic acid-co-maleic acid) - poly (vinyl alcohol) (PSSA_ MA-PVA) catalytic membrane was prepared by solution casting to enhance esterification of ethanol and acetic acid. The properties of the membranes were characterized by means of thermogravimetry (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), etc. The pervaporation performance of catalytic membrane was investigated with mixtures of ethanol/water. The effects of the concentration of PVA, catalyst content, reaction temperature and crosslinking temperature on the catalytic and separation performance of the membranes were also investigated. The results showed that when the concentration of PVA was 10% and catalyst content was 50%, the acid conversion was up to 94% after 12 hours. The stabilization of catalytic membranes was greatly improved when the crosslinking temperature reached 120°C, and the conversion remained at 76% with the membrane soaked in ethanol solution about 24 hours. The optimization of reaction temperature was 75°C.Graphical abstract
Source: Chemical Engineering and Processing: Process Intensification - Category: Chemistry Source Type: research