Heterogeneous Catalysis High Throughput Workflow: A Case Study Involving Propane Oxidative Dehydrogenation

The development of a high throughput research (HTR) infrastructure and experimentation capability has been a major focus for The Dow Chemical Company. This R&D effort was built on the vision that high throughput experimentation can broadly impact the effectiveness of our businesses. Over the past ten years this has resulted in the construction of HTR infrastructures covering a wide diversity of technologies, such as liquid formulations, coatings and adhesives, thermoplastics and thermosets, organic synthesis, and both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalyses. These workflows have greatly improved Dow’s R&D effectiveness and enhanced the rate of development of commercially applicable technology. To illustrate the HTR methodology and workflow in place, a case study on propane oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) is discussed in this chapter. It is shown that an effective workflow consists of a series of interlocking elements that include experimental design, catalyst synthesis, materials characterization, and catalytic reactivity screening. These elements are connected together through data and materials handling.

Keywords: High Throughput Research, Heterogeneous Catalysis, Selective Oxidation, Mixed Metal Oxides, Oxidative Dehydrogenation, Propane, Propylene, Oxygenates, Light Alkane Activation, Shale Gas, Solid Promoters, Data Mining & Modeling, Compositional Optimization, Process Parameter Optimization.