Process Design for the Directly Coupled Production of Methanol and Formaldehyde Based on CO2

Abstract

AbstractSustainable hydrogen generation is preferred over production from fossil sources in the context of a carbon‐neutral economy. As a result, production costs for CO2‐based products are estimated to be much higher than those of their fossil equivalents. Hence, it is essential to optimize process chains regarding their hydrogen efficiency. In this study, a concept for the directly coupled production of CO2‐based methanol and formaldehyde in a modified silver catalyst process is evaluated regarding the utilization of H2. Detailed simulations in Aspen Plus allow the comparison to the separately operated synthesis of green methanol and formaldehyde. By directly connecting both production steps, utilization ratios of introduced H2 and CO2 could be improved, reaching values of 98 % and 99 %, respectively.