Non‐Classical Conversion of Methanol to Formaldehyde

Abstract

Abstract Non‐classical alternatives to the silver contact and the Formox processes comprise the thermal non‐oxidative dehydrogenation of methanol, for which new catalysts are needed to achieve high formaldehyde selectivity at high conversion at temperatures below 600 °C. The electro‐ or photocatalytic conversion of methanol to formaldehyde is not applied either industrially but is attractive because of mild reaction conditions and high formaldehyde selectivities. Novel gas‐phase approaches yielding (anhydrous) formaldehyde are presented describing lab‐scale setups and the challenges for up‐scaling.

Topics & Concepts