Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates to methods and systems for purifying 1,3-butadiene from a C4 hydrocarbon stream. An example method includes introducing a C4 hydrocarbon stream including 1,3-butadiene and acetylenes to an organic azide in the presence of a catalyst to generate a first stream including triazole, separating triazole from the first stream to produce a second stream including 1,3-butadiene, and distilling 1,3-butadiene from the second stream to produce a purified 1,3-butadiene product stream.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides a method for inhibiting the formation of popcorn polymer in the vapor phase of a butadiene extraction/purification system. In a non-limiting embodiment, a method for inhibiting the formation of popcorn polymer includes injecting nitric oxide into the upper portion, i.e., headspace of a butadiene distillation column.

Abstract: Methods are provided for passivating and/or solubilizing crosslinked popcorn polymer formed from vinyl aromatic precursors. The passivation and/or solubilization can be performed by exposing the crosslinked popcorn polymer to an aromatics-containing solvent at a suitable temperature and/or by heat treating the crosslinked popcorn polymer in the presence of steam and oxygen followed by exposure to an aromatics-containing solvent. The vinyl aromatic polymer can be exposed to the aromatics-containing solvent for a suitable period of time at a temperature of 200° C. or more. Optionally, the aromatics-containing solvent can be at least partially in the liquid phase during the exposure of the vinyl aromatic polymer.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates to methods and systems for purifying 1,3-butadiene from a C4 hydrocarbon stream. An example method includes introducing a C4 hydrocarbon stream including 1,3-butadiene and acetlyenes to an organic azide in the presence of a catalyst to generate a first stream including triazole, separating triazole from the first stream to produce a second stream including 1,3-butadiene, and distilling 1,3-butadiene from the second stream to produce a purified 1,3-butadiene product stream.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates to methods and systems for purifying 1,3-butadiene from a C4 hydrocarbon stream. An example method includes introducing a C4 hydrocarbon stream including 1,3-butadiene and acetylenes to an organic azide in the presence of a catalyst to generate a first stream including triazole, separating triazole from the first stream to produce a second stream including 1,3-butadiene, and distilling 1,3-butadiene from the second stream to produce a purified 1,3-butadiene product stream.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides a method for inhibiting the formation of popcorn polymer in the vapor phase of a butadiene extraction/purification system. In a non-limiting embodiment, a method for inhibiting the formation of popcorn polymer includes injecting nitric oxide into the upper portion, i.e., headspace of a butadiene distillation column.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates to methods and systems for purifying 1,3-butadiene from a C4 hydrocarbon stream. An example method includes introducing a C4 hydrocarbon stream including 1,3-butadiene and acetlyenes to an organic azide in the presence of a catalyst to generate a first stream including triazole, separating triazole from the first stream to produce a second stream including 1,3-butadiene, and distilling 1,3-butadiene from the second stream to produce a purified 1,3-butadiene product stream.

Abstract: An anion exchange membrane and fuel cell incorporating the anion exchange membrane are detailed in which proazaphosphatrane and azaphosphatrane cations are covalently bonded to a sulfonated fluoropolymer support along with anionic counterions. A positive charge is dispersed in the aforementioned cations which are buried in the support to reduce the cation-anion interactions and increase the mobility of hydroxide ions, for example, across the membrane. The anion exchange membrane has the ability to operate at high temperatures and in highly alkaline environments with high conductivity and low resistance.