Copper-Ceria Catalyst for Selective Oxychlorination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oxychlorination processes for hydrocarbons face challenges in controlling selectivity and minimizing byproducts such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, which affects the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the process.
Innovation Solution
A catalyst system comprising copper, cerium oxide (CeO2) as the carrier with 80 wt.% or more, and co-catalysts like alkali metals and lanthanide metals, which enhances catalytic stability and selectivity, reducing byproduct formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high temperature pyrolysis of methane by chlorine is used, then the reaction can proceed, but lots of byproducts such as methylene chloride or cokes are generated and selectivity is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the reaction parameters by introducing a specific catalyst system (copper-based with alkali metal and lanthanide metal) that enables the oxychlorination reaction to proceed at lower temperatures with higher selectivity, avoiding the need for high temperature pyrolysis that generates harmful byproducts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a catalyst as an intermediary substance that mediates the reaction between methane and chlorine. The catalyst system (copper, alkali metal, and lanthanide metal) provides an alternative reaction pathway that produces target products with high selectivity while minimizing harmful byproducts, effectively resolving the contradiction between reaction rate and byproduct formation
2Ease of manufacture
If simple heating method is used for oxychlorination, then the process is simple, but control of selectivity is difficult and byproducts are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a catalyst system as an intermediary that enables precise control of selectivity while maintaining process simplicity. The catalyst (copper-based with alkali metal and lanthanide metal) provides specific active sites that direct the reaction toward desired products, allowing selective control without complicating the overall process
3Reliability
If conventional catalysts are used, then the process can run, but catalytic stability is insufficient and byproducts like carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide are produced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite catalyst system comprising copper, alkali metal, and lanthanide metal components. This composite structure enhances catalytic stability and specificity, enabling the catalyst to maintain high performance over time while selectively promoting the formation of desired oxychlorination products and minimizing harmful byproducts like carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide
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 catalyst system increases the selectivity of target products like chloromethane while suppressing the production of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, even at lower temperatures, thereby improving process efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a catalyst for an oxychlorination process of hydrocarbons, the catalyst including: a catalyst material including copper; and a carrier including cerium oxide (CeO2)
Data Source
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AI summary
The present specification provides a catalyst for an oxychlorination process of hydrocarbons, a preparation method thereof, and a method for preparing an oxychlorination compound of hydrocarbons using the same.