CeO2 Nanoparticle Catalyst for Methionine Hydrolysis Yield
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing methionine using 2-amino-4-(methylthio)butanenitrile and/or 2-amino-4-(methylthio)butaneamide as starting materials suffer from inconsistent and unsatisfactory yields, with catalyst systems not optimally performing due to variations in catalyst type, amount, and process conditions.
Innovation Solution
A catalyst comprising CeO2 particles with specific surface area and Feret diameter ranges is used for the hydrolysis of 2-amino-4-(methylthio)butanenitrile and/or 2-amino-4-(methylthio)butaneamide, optimizing conversion rates and selectivities to achieve high methionine yields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional catalyst systems are used for hydrolysis of 2-amino-4-(methylthio)butanenitrile, then the process can proceed, but the methionine yields are inconsistent and unsatisfactory
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the CeO2 particle characteristics (surface area: 175-300 m2/g, mean maximum Feret diameter: 3-40 nm, mean minimum Feret diameter: 2-30 nm) to optimize the catalytic hydrolysis process. This systematic parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by achieving both high productivity (95% yield) and reliability (consistent results across different conditions).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses cerium oxide (CeO2) as a specialized catalytic material with specific nanoscale properties. This composite material approach, where the catalyst has precisely controlled surface area and particle size distribution, enables simultaneous achievement of high conversion rates and consistent methionine yields, resolving the productivity-reliability contradiction.
2Quantity of substance
If CeO2 content is reduced in the catalyst system, then cost may be reduced, but yield consistency typically deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent demonstrates that by changing the particle size parameters (mean maximum Feret diameter: 3-40 nm, mean minimum Feret diameter: 2-30 nm) and surface area (175-300 m2/g) of CeO2, high yield consistency (95% methionine yield) can be achieved even with reduced CeO2 content. The nanoscale particle control compensates for lower catalyst quantity, maintaining reliability while reducing material consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different catalyst types and amounts are used, then process flexibility increases, but performance optimization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes specific parameter ranges for CeO2 (surface area: 175-300 m2/g, mean maximum Feret diameter: 3-40 nm, mean minimum Feret diameter: 2-30 nm) that optimize methionine formation. This parameter standardization maintains process flexibility in catalyst selection while ensuring consistent high productivity, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and performance optimization.
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 methionine yields of up to 95% with high selectivity, even when using reduced CeO2 content, and maintains consistency across different catalyst compositions and conditions.
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 175 to 300+/−10% m2/g measured according to DIN ISO 9277-5 (2003), a mean maximum Feret diameter xFmax, mean of from 3+/−10% to 40+/−10% nm and a mean minimum Feret diameter xFmin, mean of from 2+/−10% to 30+/−10% nm
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 have a BET surface area of from 175 to 300+/−10% m2/g measured according to DIN ISO 9277-5 (2003), a mean maximum Feret diameter xFmax, mean of from 3+/−10% to 40+/−10% nm and a mean minimum Feret diameter xFmin, mean of from 2+/−10% to 30+/−10% nm, both measured according to DIN ISO 9276-6 (2012).