CeO2 Catalyst Particle Size Optimization for Methionine Hydrolysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing methionine using 2-amino-4-(methylthio)butanenitrile and/or 2-amino-4-(methylthio)butaneamide as starting materials suffer from unsatisfactory and inconsistent yields, with existing catalyst systems not optimizing the formation of methionine effectively.
Innovation Solution
A catalyst comprising CeO2 particles with a BET surface area of 35 to 65 m^2/g, a mean maximum Feret diameter of 10 to 40 nm, and a mean minimum Feret diameter of 5 to 30 nm is used to contact 2-amino-4-(methylthio)butanenitrile and/or 2-amino-4-(methylthio)butaneamide with water, resulting in a methionine yield of at least 99% at 75°C and 120 minutes reaction time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing catalyst systems (zinc metal, zirconium dioxide, cerium oxide) are used for hydrolysis of 2-amino-4-(methylthio)butanenitrile, then the reaction can proceed, but the methionine yields are unsatisfactory and inconsistent (ranging from 60% to 95%)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the CeO2 particle characteristics (BET surface area of 35-65 m²/g, mean maximum Feret diameter of 10-40 nm, mean minimum Feret diameter of 5-30 nm) and reaction conditions (temperature of 75°C, reaction time of 120 minutes) to achieve consistent high yields of at least 99%, resolving the inconsistency problem of previous catalyst systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses cerium oxide (CeO2) as a catalyst material that demonstrates superior and consistent catalytic performance compared to other metal oxides. The specific composite particle structure with controlled size distribution and surface area properties enables reliable high-yield production
2Productivity
If CeO2-based catalysts are used with varying particle characteristics, then the catalytic activity varies strongly, but the patent achieves high yields by optimizing particle size and surface area parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent defines specific parameter ranges for CeO2 particles (BET surface area: 35-65 m²/g, mean maximum Feret diameter: 10-40 nm, mean minimum Feret diameter: 5-30 nm) to optimize catalytic activity. By controlling these parameters within specified ranges, the patent achieves consistent high methionine yields of at least 99%
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies that CeO2 particles should have surface areas of 35-65 m²/g, which is higher than typical catalysts, ensuring sufficient active sites for hydrolysis reaction. This excessive surface area provision guarantees high and consistent yields even with variations in other parameters
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 process achieves high methionine yields and selectivities, outperforming previous catalyst systems, with the ability to maintain high yields even with reduced CeO2 content and varying particle characteristics, ensuring efficient conversion and selectivity.
Implementation Method 1
contacting a solution or suspension comprising 2-amino-4-(methylthio)butanenitrile and/or 2-amino-4-(methylthio)butaneamide with water in the presence of a catalyst to give a methionine comprising mixture, wherein the catalyst comprises CeO2 comprising particles
Implementation Method 2
the CeO2 comprising particles have a BET surface area of from 35 to 65 m2/g
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of methionine comprising the step of contacting a solution or suspension comprising 2-amino-4-(methylthio)butanenitrile and/or 2-amino-4-(methylthio)butaneamide with water in the presence of a catalyst to give a methionine comprising mixture, wherein the catalyst comprises CeO2 comprising particles, wherein the CeO2 comprising particles comprise from 50 to 100 wt.-% of CeO2, have a BET surface area of from 35 to 65 m2/g measured according to DIN ISO 9277-5 (2003), a mean maximum Feret diameter xFmax, mean of from 10 to 40 nm and a mean minimum Feret diameter xFmin, mean of from 5 to 30 nm, both measured according to DIN ISO 9276-6 (2012).