Messi Biology stated that spherical magnesium oxide is widely used in catalysts and catalyst carriers due to its high specific surface area, excellent catalytic performance, alkalinity and thermal stability. It is mainly used in organic synthesis, waste gas treatment, hydrodesulfurization, catalytic cracking and other fields.
1. Organic synthesis catalysis
Spherical magnesium oxide is widely used in organic synthesis reactions, for example:
Esterification reaction: Magnesium oxide can be used as a catalyst to promote the esterification reaction of carboxylic acid and alcohol, and increase the yield of ester compounds.
Condensation reaction: In reactions such as Claisen condensation and alcohol carbonylation, magnesium oxide can improve the reaction selectivity.
Oxidation reaction: In hydrocarbon oxidation reactions, magnesium oxide can be used to catalyze the oxidation of alkanes and aromatic hydrocarbons and increase the yield of oxidation products.
2. Waste gas treatment and environmental catalysis
The catalytic applications of spherical magnesium oxide in the field of waste gas treatment mainly include:
Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) adsorption and desulfurization: Magnesium oxide can effectively adsorb SO₂ and catalyze its oxidation or conversion into magnesium sulfate under high temperature conditions.
Carbon monoxide (CO) oxidation: Magnesium oxide can be used as a carrier of CO oxidation catalyst to improve the conversion efficiency of the oxidation reaction.
VOCs (volatile organic compounds) decomposition: Magnesium oxide can catalyze the degradation of harmful gases such as toluene, benzene, formaldehyde, etc., reducing air pollution.
3. Hydrodesulfurization catalysis
In petroleum refining, spherical magnesium oxide can be used as a catalyst or co-catalyst for hydrodesulfurization reaction. Its main functions include:
Provide an alkaline surface to improve the selectivity of the catalyst for sulfides.
Enhance the dispersion of metal active sites and improve the efficiency of hydrodesulfurization reaction.
Improve the catalyst’s resistance to sulfidation and extend the service life of the catalyst.
4. Catalytic cracking and reforming
In the petrochemical industry, magnesium oxide can be used for catalytic cracking and reforming reactions:
Catalytic cracking: Under high temperature conditions, magnesium oxide can catalyze the cracking of hydrocarbons and increase the yield of light hydrocarbons (such as ethylene and propylene).
Catalytic reforming: Magnesium oxide can improve the activity of reforming catalysts and enhance the stability of reaction products.