Epoxidation of propylene with H2 and O2 in the explosive regime in a packed-bed catalytic membrane reactor

The vapor-phase epoxidation of propylene with H2 and O2 over a highly dispersed Au/TS-1 catalyst was carried out in a packed-bed catalytic membrane reactor. The membrane reactor allowed the use of high concentrations of H2 and O2 (40% each) that were well within the explosive regime, and the production rate of propylene oxide was improved by 100–200% compared with that from a conventional packed-bed reactor. At 180 °C, the C3H6 conversion was 10% and the PO selectivity was 80%, corresponding to a space–time yield of image, whereas at 212 °C, the yield increased to image. The kinetic dependency, image (H2)0.53 (O2)0.26 (C3H6)0.18, obtained free from mass transport and heat transfer limitations at these high concentrations was in good agreement with that reported at low concentrations.