Catalyst Dopant Package Search Using Generative and Predictive AI

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Solution Overview

Problem

Finding effective dopant packages for catalysis is a time-consuming process that can take decades, and existing methods are inefficient.

Innovation Solution

An automated method using a generative model to generate candidate dopant compounds and a predictive machine learning model to determine dopant packages based on performance values, optimizing the search in functional group space and incorporating user input for improved efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional experimental methods are used to find effective dopant packages, then reliability of catalyst performance is ensured, but the process takes decades and productivity is extremely low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalyst performanceVSAvoiddopant package discovery rate
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates virtual copies of dopant packages through generative models that simulate real catalyst formulations. These digital twins allow researchers to test thousands of dopant combinations in silico before validating the most promising candidates experimentally, dramatically accelerating the discovery process while maintaining reliability through iterative validation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary screening of dopant packages using machine learning models before actual catalyst synthesis. The system pre-evaluates numerous dopant combinations based on training data, identifying high-potential candidates in advance, so that experimental resources are focused only on the most promising formulations rather than testing every possible combination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If comprehensive laboratory studies are conducted to determine performance values, then measurement precision is high, but the process is time-consuming and requires extensive computational resources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperformance value accuracyVSAvoidperformance evaluation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces machine learning models as intermediary systems between theoretical dopant formulations and experimental validation. These models serve as virtual test beds that predict performance values based on training data, allowing rapid evaluation of dopant packages without immediately conducting full laboratory studies. The intermediary models maintain measurement precision by learning from accurate experimental data while dramatically reducing evaluation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces physical laboratory testing with computational prediction using trained machine learning models. Instead of mechanically conducting experiments for every dopant package evaluation, the system uses digital simulations and predictive algorithms to assess performance, reserving physical testing for final validation of top candidates. This substitution maintains accuracy while reducing time and resource requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If the search space of all possible dopant packages is exhaustively tested, then manufacturing precision of optimal catalyst is achieved, but computational resources are excessively consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptimal catalyst formulationVSAvoidcomputational resource consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by focusing computational resources on evaluating specific regions of the dopant package search space that are most likely to yield optimal results. The generative model and reinforcement learning algorithm identify high-potential areas based on training data patterns, concentrating evaluation efforts where they are most needed rather than uniformly testing all possible combinations. This targeted approach achieves manufacturing precision while reducing overall computational energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes parameters dynamically during the search process, adjusting evaluation criteria and search focus based on feedback from previous results. The reinforcement learning algorithm modifies its exploration strategy, shifting parameters to prioritize promising dopant combinations while deprioritizing unlikely candidates. This adaptive parameter changing enables precise identification of optimal formulations without exhaustively testing the entire search space, thereby reducing computational energy use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250356960A1Obtaining dopant package for catalysis
Publication Date: 2025.11.20 SHELL OIL CO
  • US20250356960A1 patent drawing
  • US20250356960A1 patent drawing
  • US20250356960A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A system and method for determining a dopant package for catalysis, wherein the dopant package comprises one or more dopants, each dopant having a dopant amount. The method comprises using a generative model to generate a candidate dopant compound and using a predictive machine learning model to predict performance values associated with a plurality of input dopant packages, wherein at least one of the plurality of input dopant packages includes the candidate dopant compound. A dopant package for catalysis is determined by performing a search based on the predicted performance values.