CoNi Nanoalloy Composite Catalyst for Stable CO2 Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing catalysts for converting CO2 into value-added products like benzimidazole and methane are expensive, unstable, and suffer from deactivation and metal particle sintering, necessitating a cost-effective and stable alternative.

Innovation Solution

A method to produce a bimetallic nanoalloy composite comprising cobalt and nickel nanoparticles embedded in porous carbon layers, formed through a process involving mixing salts and aromatic carboxylic acid, followed by heating and pyrolysis, which is then used to convert CO2 into benzimidazole and methane.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional metal catalysts are used for CO2 conversion, then catalytic activity is achieved, but cost increases and stability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecatalyst stabilityVSAvoidcatalyst cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite catalyst system consisting of metal nanoparticles (transition metals or noble metals) supported on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). This composite structure combines the catalytic activity of metals with the structural stability and porosity of MOFs, achieving both high catalytic performance and enhanced stability while avoiding the use of expensive bulk noble metal catalysts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as catalyst supports, which are porous materials with high surface area and tunable pore structures. The porous MOF support provides high dispersion of metal nanoparticles, increases active site accessibility, and enhances catalyst stability through the robust reticular structure, thereby improving reliability without increasing manufacturing cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

2Ease of manufacture

If monometallic transitional metal catalysts are used, then cost is reduced, but catalyst deactivation and sintering occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecatalyst costVSAvoidcatalyst stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The metal-organic framework acts as an intermediary support structure that stabilizes metal nanoparticles during catalysis. The MOF prevents direct metal particle aggregation and sintering by providing a rigid porous matrix, thereby maintaining catalyst stability and preventing deactivation while using cost-effective transition metals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 bimetallic nanoalloy composite effectively and efficiently converts CO2 into benzimidazole and methane, demonstrating high yield and stability under varying conditions.

Implementation Method 1

catalysts are required to activate the CO2 for such chemical transformations. Therefore, several types of metal catalysts have been applied as competent materials for heterogeneous CO2 methanation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeterogeneous catalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 2

heating the CoNiBTC at a temperature of 600 to 900° C. under a nitrogen stream to form a pyrolyzed composite

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPyrolysis: Pyrolysis

Data Source

PatentUS20260061410A1Method for making a benzimidazole

Publication Date: 2026.03.05 KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND MINERALS

AI summary

A method of making a bimetallic nanoalloy composite includes mixing and dissolving a nickel salt, a cobalt salt, and an aromatic carboxylic acid in a first solvent to form a first mixture; mixing acetic acid with the first mixture and heating at a temperature of 150 to 200 degrees Celsius (° C.) form a second mixture; washing the second mixture with at least one organic solvent and drying to form a bimetallic metal-organic framework (CoNiBTC); heating the CoNiBTC at a temperature of 600 to 900° C. under a nitrogen stream to form a pyrolyzed composite; and cooling the pyrolyzed composite and exposing to a gas mixture to form the bimetallic nanoalloy composite. A method of making a benzimidazole compound. A method of making methane from CO2.