Highly propylene equilibrium selective carbon molecular sieve adsorbent

Abstract

Propylene-propane separation is one of the most challenging and relevant industrial separations. Since this separation is very energy demanding, the research for new processes and/or materials able to separate these components efficiently with lower energy is encouraged. The present work reports a new carbon molecular sieve adsorbent highly equilibrium selective towards propylene - GLE800. This adsorbent was prepared in a single-step pyrolysis under nitrogen atmosphere. The pore size distribution, obtained based on the CO2 adsorption equilibrium isotherm at 0 degrees C, reveals a well-developed pore structure in the micropore range. Adsorption equilibrium isotherms were obtained at 25 degrees C, 35 degrees C and 45 degrees C. GLE800 adsorbent displayed a very high propylene/propane adsorbed concentration ratio of ca. 140 at 1 bar and 25 degrees C. The breakthrough curves, mono- and multicomponent, confirmed the high adsorption selectivity obtained from the adsorption equilibrium isotherms.