H-type Beta Zeolite Catalyst for Sorbitol Dehydration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional catalysts for producing isosorbide from sorbitol, such as sulfuric acid, face challenges including high costs, complex separation and purification processes, and poor recyclability, while solid acid catalysts like zeolites have low yields and long reaction times, making them impractical for industrial use.
Innovation Solution
The use of an H-type β zeolite with a Si/Al ratio between 20 and 100 as a solid catalyst for the dehydration reaction of sorbitol, optimizing reaction conditions such as temperature and catalyst amount to achieve high isosorbide yields similar to sulfuric acid catalysts, while maintaining excellent recyclability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If sulfuric acid catalyst is used for dehydration of sorbitol, then high isosorbide yield (>70%) is achieved in short reaction time (75 minutes), but separation and purification costs increase, equipment corrosion occurs, and waste disposal becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful component (sulfuric acid) is extracted from the reaction system by replacing it with a solid acid catalyst that provides the necessary catalytic function without the drawbacks of homogeneous acid catalysts. The solid catalyst can be easily separated from the reaction mixture, eliminating the need for complex neutralization and purification steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the catalyst is changed from liquid (sulfuric acid) to solid form, which fundamentally alters the separation and purification requirements. This parameter change maintains the catalytic activity while eliminating the harmful effects of homogeneous acid catalysts.
2Device complexity
If solid acid catalysts like zeolites are used for dehydration of sorbitol, then separation and purification is simplified, but reaction time increases to 12 hours and yield decreases to about 38%
Solution Approach 1:
The catalyst structure is optimized by controlling the Si/Al ratio to create specific local acidic environments that are highly effective for sorbitol dehydration. This local optimization of catalyst properties enables high activity while maintaining the advantages of solid catalysts.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite solid acid catalyst system with specific Si/Al ratio that combines the benefits of high catalytic activity with the ease of separation inherent in solid catalysts, achieving a balance between productivity and operational simplicity.
3Productivity
If H-type β zeolite with low Si/Al ratio is used, then catalyst acidity increases and reaction rate improves, but catalyst stability decreases and durability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The Si/Al ratio is optimized to a specific range that balances acidity and stability. This parameter optimization ensures that the catalyst has sufficient acidic sites for high reaction rates while maintaining structural integrity and durability for repeated use.
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 allows for high isosorbide selectivity and yield at lower temperatures and shorter reaction times, with the catalyst maintaining performance after repeated use, reducing equipment load and environmental impact compared to conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
The use of an H-type β zeolite with a Si/Al ratio between 20 and 100 as a solid catalyst for the dehydration reaction of sorbitol
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention addresses the problem of providing a solid catalyst capable of achieving high selectivity and high yield for isosorbide, preferably at the same time, in a dehydration reaction by which dianhydrosugar alcohol is obtained from a sugar alcohol, particularly, in a dehydration reaction by which isosorbide is obtained from sorbitol. The above-mentioned problem is solved by a solid catalyst for a dehydration reaction for preparing dianhydrosugar alcohol from sugar alcohol, said catalyst including an H-type β zeolite having an atomic composition ratio of Si to Al (Si/Al) of more than 20.