【Ten Years of Great Progress in Chemical Technology】The industrialization of technologies for producing long-chain α-olefins from coal syngas, 2016–2023

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It is reported that the kick-off meeting for the key research and development project \"Comprehensive Technology for the Direct Conversion of Low-Carbon Dioxide-Containing Synthetic Gas into Long-Chain α-Olefins\", led by the **Beijing Institute of Low-Carbon Clean Energy of the Energy Group**, was held recently in Beijing Future Science City. The goal is to develop a technology for producing long-chain α-olefins at an annual rate of 100,000 tons during the 14th Five-Year Plan period. “As a high-end chemical raw material, ‘long-chain α-olefins’ serve as a strategic core material for industries such as the synthesis of lubricants, plasticizers, high-end piping materials, automotive parts, and pharmaceuticals. Currently, the mainstream commercial method for producing long-chain α-olefins internationally is through the polymerization of short-chain olefins, but this technology is monopolized by some countries in Europe and the United States. Our country has taken a different approach in developing methods for producing this strategic key raw material – that is, through direct conversion using coal syngas. First, coal is converted into syngas via gasification technology, and then, through catalytic processes, the syngas is transformed into a mixture of long-chain α-olefins, which are subsequently purified. Currently, the technology for producing long-chain α-olefins from coal syngas has achieved initial results in the laboratory. However, to translate these achievements into practical applications, it is necessary to test this technology on a larger scale. “Next, we will work together with chemical companies to gradually develop production facilities capable of handling capacities of 100 tons and 10,000 tons, and to conduct further research and development until commercialization is achieved. ”The project leader said.