Burning Hydrocarbons with by products

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In summary, the conversation discusses the potential for creating a synthetic hydrocarbon that does not produce harmful byproducts. The suggestion is to use a hydrocarbon that easily releases hydrogen, which can then be used to power a fuel cell and avoid producing harmful byproducts. However, the most common method of recycling hydrocarbons still produces carbon dioxide and/or monoxide. The conversation also mentions the possibility of generating hydrogen while producing only solid carbon, which would be a lucrative discovery. The potential for producing NOx compounds when using atmosphere as the source of oxygen is also mentioned.
  • #1
ray4758026
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Would it ever be possible to make a synthetic hydrocarbon that wouldn't produce harmful by products.:redface:
 
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  • #2
Yes. If the hydrocarbon easily gave up hydrogen and the hydrogen were used to power a fuel cell, no 'harmful' byproducts would be produced. It would be an advantage to be able to recycle the hydrocarbon and reduce it back to the original hydrocarbon.

If the hydrocarbon is simply burned, CO2, CO, aldehydes, NOx compounds, etc. can be produced depending on the equipment used.
 
  • #3
usually when a pure hydrocarbon is burned you release CO and H2O if you inject pure O2 into the reaction like oxy-acetaline torches
 
  • #4
When you burn a hydrocarbon, you get water and carbon dioxide if your combustion is complete and your fuel is pure. Thermodynamically, carbon dioxide is a desirable combustion product.
chemisttree said:
Yes. If the hydrocarbon easily gave up hydrogen and the hydrogen were used to power a fuel cell, no 'harmful' byproducts would be produced. It would be an advantage to be able to recycle the hydrocarbon and reduce it back to the original hydrocarbon.
Unfortunately, the most common method of doing that, steam reforming of methane, still produces carbon dioxide and/or monoxide. If you can find a way to generate hydrogen while producing only, say, solid carbon, you will become very rich...
 
  • #5
russ_watters said:
When you burn a hydrocarbon, you get water and carbon dioxide if your combustion is complete and your fuel is pure.

If you use atmosphere as the source of oxygen, you can also produce NOx compounds... especially in systems that are designed to completely combust hydrocarbon to CO2 (lean burn systems).

russ_watters said:
If you can find a way to generate hydrogen while producing only, say, solid carbon, you will become very rich...

See here:

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=170679
 

1. What is the process of burning hydrocarbons with by products?

The process of burning hydrocarbons with by products, also known as combustion, involves the chemical reaction between a hydrocarbon fuel (such as oil, gas, or coal) and oxygen. This reaction produces heat, carbon dioxide, and water vapor as byproducts.

2. What are the byproducts of burning hydrocarbons?

The main byproducts of burning hydrocarbons are carbon dioxide (CO2) and water vapor (H2O). However, depending on the type of fuel and the efficiency of the combustion process, other byproducts such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM) may also be produced.

3. How does burning hydrocarbons with by products contribute to climate change?

Burning hydrocarbons with by products releases large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This contributes to the greenhouse effect, trapping heat and causing the Earth's average temperature to rise. This, in turn, leads to climate change and its associated effects such as sea level rise, extreme weather events, and biodiversity loss.

4. Are there any benefits to burning hydrocarbons with by products?

Burning hydrocarbons with by products is a major source of energy production and is essential for many industries and daily activities. However, it also has negative impacts on the environment and human health. Some argue that the benefits of burning hydrocarbons with by products outweigh the negative effects, but there is ongoing debate and efforts to transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.

5. What are some alternative ways to produce energy without burning hydrocarbons with by products?

There are various alternative energy sources that do not involve burning hydrocarbons with by products. These include renewable sources such as solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass energy. Other options include nuclear power and energy efficiency measures. These alternatives have lower greenhouse gas emissions and are more sustainable in the long term.

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