Experimental Demonstration of the Production of Hydrogen and Water-Free Formaldehyde Using Sodium Vapor

Abstract

Conventional routes for the production of formaldehyde rely on the use of methanol and air, with the presence of catalysts such as silver or mixed-metal oxides. These processes are highly energy intensive and therefore raise concerns in terms of cost-effectiveness and environmental impact. In that respect, sodium or sodium compounds are more favorable as catalysts for the direct dehydrogenation of methanol to water-free formaldehyde. A method is presented for the coproduction of hydrogen and anhydrous formaldehyde – both valuable products – on the laboratory scale, with a particular focus on the design and testing of a sodium vapor catalyst dosing unit that enables the process to be performed continuously.