Aromatic Yield from Oxygenate Mixtures via H:C Ratio Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for converting biomass to liquid fuels and chemicals using zeolite catalysts face challenges due to high coke production and low yields of desirable aromatic molecules, particularly with oxygen-rich biomass-derived feedstocks, which result in excessive alkane production and reduced aromatic yields.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a mixture of oxygenates with a hydrogen-to-carbon effective ratio (H:C eff) between 0.5 and 1.7, comprising more di- and polyoxygenates than monooxygenates, and minimal alkanes, is used to produce a high yield of aromatic molecules while minimizing coke and alkane production, utilizing a deoxygenation catalyst followed by a condensation reaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If oxygen-rich biomass-derived feedstocks are converted using zeolite catalysts, then conversion to hydrocarbons is achieved, but high coke production occurs and aromatic yields are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the H:C eff ratio parameter of the feedstock from typical biomass values (0-0.3) to an optimized range (0.5-1.7) through selective hydrogenation. This parameter change transforms the feedstock composition to reduce coke formation while enhancing aromatic production, directly resolving the contradiction between aromatic yield and coke production
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary hydrogenation to convert oxygen-rich feedstocks to oxygenates with optimized H:C eff ratios before the main condensation reaction. This preliminary action prevents excessive coke formation during subsequent catalytic conversion, enabling higher aromatic yields without the harmful coke byproduct
2Productivity
If H:C eff ratio is increased to reduce coke, then aromatic production improves, but olefin yield increases and aromatic yield is still limited to 24%
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the H:C eff ratio to a specific range (0.5-1.7) that balances aromatic and olefin production. Within this optimized parameter range, the condensation reaction favors aromatic formation over olefin formation, resolving the contradiction by finding the optimal parameter window where aromatics are the dominant product
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates different local conditions in the reaction system by using oxygenates with specific H:C eff ratios that promote aromatic condensation pathways while suppressing olefin formation. The localized chemical environment within the optimized H:C eff ratio range enables selective aromatic production
3Productivity
If monooxygenates are used as feedstock, then H:C eff ratio is improved, but alkane production increases and aromatic yield is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the feedstock composition from monooxygenates to oxygenates with H:C eff ratios of 0.5-1.7, which fundamentally alters the reaction pathways. This parameter change in feedstock composition suppresses alkane formation pathways while promoting aromatic condensation, resolving the contradiction between aromatic yield and alkane production
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach achieves a high yield of aromatic molecules (>50%) with low alkane and coke production, effectively overcoming the limitations of traditional methods by optimizing the oxygenate mixture and catalyst conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The condensation reaction can be catalyzed using a zeolite catalyst
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, catalysts, and reactor systems for producing in high yield aromatic chemicals and liquid fuels from a mixture of oxygenates comprising di- and polyoxygenates are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods, catalysts, and reactor systems for producing aromatic chemicals and liquid fuels from oxygenated hydrocarbons such as carbohydrates, sugars, sugar alcohols, sugar degradation products, and the like; and methods, catalysts, and reactor systems for producing the mixture of oxygenates from oxygenated hydrocarbons such as carbohydrates, sugars, sugar alcohols, sugar degradation products, and the like. The disclosed catalysts for preparing the mixture of oxygenates comprise a Group VIII metal and a crystalline alumina support.