Modeling the precipitation distribution by radius and pore size during drying of an impregnated sphere

TL;DR

This paper introduces a mathematical model to simulate how catalyst precursors precipitate within porous supports during drying, highlighting the effects of various parameters on distribution by radius and pore size.

Contribution

The paper develops a novel mathematical model to predict precipitation distribution in porous spheres during drying, aiding catalyst design and optimization.

Findings

Precipitation distribution varies with pore size and drying parameters.

Model demonstrates the influence of process conditions on catalyst uniformity.

Results can guide improved catalyst preparation techniques.

Abstract

The process of preparing heterogeneous catalysts on porous supports includes a drying stage, in which the porous material, impregnated with an aqueous solution of the catalyst precursor, is dried, and the precursor is precipitated on the pore walls. The precipitate distribution throughout the support volume strongly influences the catalyst performance and durability within industrial reactors. This paper presents a mathematical model for simulating the precipitation distribution during the drying of a porous sphere. Examples of calculations are given demonstrating the influence of some parameters on the distribution by space and by pore size.17