Document Type : Regular Article
Authors
Material Engineering Department, University of Technology, Baghdad, Iraq.
Abstract
This study investigates the potential of an economically viable and environmentally
friendly Geopolymer catalyst for cracking Vacuum Residual (VR) as a non-
traditional, renewable global transportation fuel. Hierarchically porous Geopolymer
was synthesized using two types of kaolin, comprising 60% Red kaolin geopolymer
and 40% Red kaolin geopolymer. Hydrochloric acid (2M) leaching was employed on
the geopolymer to assess its impact on the active site, crucial for
enhanced adsorption capacity and catalyst suitability. Characterization using XRF,
XRD, FTIR, and BET revealed significant differences in Si/Al ratios and iron content
between the two geopolymer compositions, influencing the cracking process. FTIR
spectroscopy indicated acid sites, while BET analysis confirmed distinct surface
areas: 38.24 m 2 /g for 60% Red kaolin geopolymer and 28.56 m 2 /g for 40% Red kaolin
geopolymer. Liquid products obtained from the 60% Red kaolin geopolymer catalyst
displayed a broad carbon range (C 5 -C 24 ) with notable concentrations of Dodecane. The
yields included 33% for gasoline (C 5 -C 10 ) and 53.42% for kerosene and jet fuel (C 10 -
C 16 ). Similarly, the 40% Red kaolin geopolymer catalyst yielded liquid products with
a wide carbon range (C 8 -C 24 ), featuring a higher concentration of 1-Tridecene (C 13 H 26 ).
Notably, the 40% Red kaolin geopolymer catalyst produced higher quantities of
gasoline at 23% yield and kerosene and jet fuel at 59.74% yield.
Overall, the study underscores the novel role of Geopolymer as an environmentally
friendly and cost-effective cracking catalyst.
Keywords
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