How Can NO2 Be Separated from Car Exhaust for Nitric Acid Production?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the separation of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) from car exhaust for the purpose of producing nitric acid. Participants explore various methods and challenges associated with this process, including the presence of other byproducts such as sulfur trioxide (SO3) and sulfur dioxide (SO2). The context includes theoretical and practical considerations for a science project aimed at reducing environmental acid emissions from vehicles.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests cooling the exhaust mixture to below the boiling point of NO2 (21°C) to potentially separate it in liquid form, but expresses uncertainty about the effectiveness of this method due to other byproducts.
  • Another participant raises concerns about the practicality of the cooling method, noting that SO3 is solid at room temperature, which complicates the separation process.
  • A different participant proposes using a centrifuge to separate the gases, although they question its practicality.
  • One participant clarifies that they meant to refer to SO2 instead of SO3, mentioning its lower vaporization point (-10°C) and outlining a plan to convert extracted NO2 into nitric acid and subsequently into ammonium nitrate.
  • Concerns are raised about the impracticality of implementing a separation process at the source of emissions, citing issues such as added mass, maintenance, and costs associated with the necessary equipment.
  • Another participant suggests researching existing technologies like scrubbers used in fossil-fired plants to remove SO2/SO3 from exhaust gases.
  • One participant proposes an adsorption/elution method using tubular beds, although they express doubts about its complexity for vehicle attachment.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of various separation methods, with no consensus on a single effective approach. Concerns about practicality and existing technologies are shared, but specific methods remain contested.

Contextual Notes

Participants note limitations related to the practicality of proposed methods, the need for additional equipment, and the challenges posed by byproducts in the exhaust mixture. There is also a lack of consensus on the effectiveness of suggested separation techniques.

Camotubi
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Well i need to separate NO2 from cars exhaust to then produce nitric acid and the use it in other reaction. The problem is that i have other byproducts such as SO3 and many more, so i can't make nitric acid without producing other acids. What i was thinking is. Since NO2 have a very high boling point ( 21°C/69.8 °F) i wass plaing to cool that mixture to a lower temp than that. would NO2 fall into liquid state completely separating it from the other mixture ? and if don't any other idea? Its for my scienc proyect.(sorry for my english)
 
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SO3 is even solid at room temperature, so I fear this won't work. What other reaction do you have in mind for the second step?
 
I don't if it is practical, but a centrifuge may work using the gas.
 
DrDu said:
SO3 is even solid at room temperature, so I fear this won't work. What other reaction do you have in mind for the second step?


sorry. I was ment to say, SO2 which have a vaporization point at -10ºC.the reactions that i want to make are: convert the NO2 that i extract into nitric acid by adding water and then reacting it with amonia to produce amonium nitrate. The idea of the proyect is to reduce the amount of acid thrown by cars into the environment, and using it into something ( amonim nitrate is a fertilizer.)
 
It is perhaps impractical to apply a process at the source, which is where it would be most effective. The process requires a container (and processing equipment), which adds mass to the car, a piece of equipment that needs replenishment and/or repair, and cost.

One can look at fossil-fired plants to see what 'scrubbers' are used. For NO2, catalytic converters are used, but SO3 can 'poison' them, which is why low sulfur gasolines have been developed.

One may wish to research 'scrubbers' or gas scrubbing technology to remove SO2/SO3 from the exhaust.
http://www.banksengineering.com/scrubber.htm
 
Maybe adsorption/elution? You could have two tubular beds in parallel, and could be eluting one bed while adsorbing on the other. Just a thought. Sounds like it might be a little too complicated for attaching to a car. Alternately, you could just have adsorption, and periodically switch the bed, like one does with a water softener.

Chet
 

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