Evaluation of humic acids as potential acid catalysts for transalkylation

Doctor of Science in Engineering - EngineeringTransalkylation, a process of transfer of alkyl groups from one aromatic compound to another is carried out on acidic catalysts such as zeolites. The porous nature of zeolites is a prohibiting factor for transalkylation involving highly conjugated aromatic compounds. The study looks at the production of humic acids as well as their evaluation as potential acid catalysts for transalkylation. Optimisation of the production of humic acids was carried out through determination of a suitable coal type using air oxidation. Slurry phase oxidation was used to enhance and optimise coal oxidation and the production of humic acids. From the characterisations and test reactions carried out, humic acids do show some catalytic properties; however the study also showed that the strength of the acid sites is not strong enough to induce transalkylation reactions. Investigations of using humic acids as catalysts for other reactions such as oxidative dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene to form styrene, is recommended