Bismuth-Based Modified Electrode for Low-Toxicity Adiponitrile Synthesis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for producing adiponitrile using electro-hydrodimerization of acrylonitrile involve toxic materials like lead, cadmium, and mercury, posing environmental and health hazards, and require complex processes with multiple side reactions.

Innovation Solution

A bismuth-based modified electrode composed of BiOI, CuI, and metallic bismuth is manufactured through an electroless plating method, involving immersion in an aqueous solution followed by electrochemical reduction, to facilitate the electrohydrodimerization of acrylonitrile.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If electro-hydrodimerization of acrylonitrile is performed using conventional cathode materials (lead, cadmium, mercury), then the synthesis of adiponitrile can be achieved, but toxic materials are used which are harmful to the environment and human health

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadiponitrile synthesis efficiencyVSAvoidtoxicity of cathode materials

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter of the cathode from toxic metals (lead, cadmium, mercury) to non-toxic bismuth-based materials (BiOI, CuI, metallic bismuth). This parameter change maintains the electrocatalytic activity needed for adiponitrile synthesis while eliminating the harmful toxicity associated with conventional cathode materials, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and harmful factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite cathode materials consisting of BiOI, CuI, and metallic bismuth. This composite structure combines the advantages of each component: BiOI provides high electrocatalytic activity, CuI enhances conductivity, and metallic bismuth ensures structural stability. The composite material achieves efficient adiponitrile synthesis without the toxicity of conventional single-metal cathodes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Temperature

If ammoniation of adipic acid is used to produce adiponitrile, then the reaction can proceed at high temperature, but multiple side reactions occur producing various by-products that affect quality and recovery

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereaction temperatureVSAvoidadiponitrile quality and recovery

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the thermal chemical process (ammoniation requiring high temperature) with an electrochemical process. By using electrical energy to drive the electro-hydrodimerization of acrylonitrile, the need for high temperature is eliminated. This substitution prevents the side reactions that occur at high temperatures, thereby improving manufacturing precision and adiponitrile quality while maintaining productive reaction conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If hydrocyanation of butadiene is used to produce adiponitrile, then the reaction can proceed, but a large amount of hydrogen cyanide is needed which is highly toxic and harmful

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadiponitrile production rateVSAvoidtoxicity of hydrogen cyanide

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the need for hydrogen cyanide from the process. Instead of using hydrocyanation that requires large amounts of toxic hydrogen cyanide, the patent employs electro-hydrodimerization of acrylonitrile. This extraction of the harmful reagent maintains adiponitrile production capability while removing the source of toxicity, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and harmful factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

The bismuth-based modified electrode achieves efficient and low-toxicity synthesis of adiponitrile, offering high electrocatalytic performance and rapid production, replacing toxic materials commonly used in existing processes.

Implementation Method 1

a facile electroless plating method of manufacturing a bismuth-based modified electrodes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroless plating: Deposition (physical)

Implementation Method 2

followed by an electrochemical reduction process to achieve the object of rapidly manufacturing the bismuth-based modified electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical reduction: Redox Reactions

Implementation Method 3

synthesizing adiponitrile by the electrohydrodimerization of acrylonitrile

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrohydrodimerization: Electrolysis

Data Source

PatentUS12435432B2Bismuth-based modified electrode, manufacturing method thereof and use thereof

Publication Date: 2025.10.07 NAT CHENG KUNG UNIV

AI summary

A modified electrode, manufacturing method thereof and use thereof are provided. The manufacturing method includes steps of soaking a copper substrate in a solution to obtain a BiOI/copper(I) iodide, BiOI/copper(I) iodide/metallic bismuth, and copper(I) iodide/metallic bismuth composite modified electrodes by electroless plating method. The obtained electrodes, designated as bismuth-based modified electrode, can be used for the electrohydrodimerization of acrylonitrile to synthesize adiponitrile.