Study on the fuel decomposition characteristics and coke formation by type of endothermic fuel and method of catalyst molding

This study was carried out to investigate fuel decomposition characteristics and coke formation according to types of endothermic fuels and methods of catalyst molding. Methylcyclohexane (MCH), n-dodecane, and exotetrahydrodipentadiene (exo-THDCP) were used as the endothermic fuels. As a catalyst, USY720 supported with platinum was used. It was manufactured by only using pressure to disk-type, or pelletized with a binder and a silica solution. The characteristics of the catalysts according to the molding method were analyzed by X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy, nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherm, and ammonia temperature programmed desorption analysis. The reaction was carried out under conditions of high temperature and high pressure (500 oC, 50 bar) in which the fuel could exist in a supercritical state. The product was analyzed by gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer and the coke produced by the catalyst was analyzed by thermogravimetric analyzer. After the reaction, the composition of the products varied greatly depending on the structure of the fuel. In addition, the crystallinity and surface properties of the catalysts were not changed by the method of catalyst molding, but the changes of the acid sites and the pore characteristics were observed, which resulted in changes in the amount and composition of products and coke.