Copper(II) Hydroxide Phosphate Production via Chelating Agent Morphology Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing copper(II) hydroxide phosphate often result in products with variable morphology, specific surface area, and color, which are not suitable for applications requiring uniform brightness and low inherent color, especially as plastic additives.

Innovation Solution

A pressureless process involving the reaction of a copper(II) compound with phosphoric acid, where a chelating agent is added to control the morphology and specific surface area of the product, allowing for the production of copper(II) hydroxide phosphate with higher brightness and lower inherent color.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If hydrothermal synthesis is used to control morphology and specific surface area, then product structure can be influenced, but working pressure and temperature must be elevated above 100°C and 1 bar

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovemorphologyVSAvoidworking pressure
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the reaction system by introducing chelating agents (such as EDTA, citric acid, or amino acids) that form stable complexes with copper ions. This chemical modification allows the reaction to proceed under atmospheric pressure while still achieving controlled morphology and specific surface area of the copper(II) hydroxide phosphate product, thus resolving the contradiction between morphology control and working pressure requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The chelating agent acts as an intermediary substance that mediates between the copper precursor and phosphoric acid. It forms soluble copper-chelate complexes that control the release and arrangement of copper ions during precipitation, enabling morphology control without requiring high pressure and temperature conditions typical of hydrothermal synthesis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional atmospheric pressure process is used, then lower preparative effort is required, but reaction time is very long (> 10 hours) and product color varies significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepreparative effortVSAvoidcolor uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The introduction of chelating agents changes the reaction kinetics and mechanism by forming stable copper complexes. This modifies the precipitation process to occur more rapidly and uniformly, reducing reaction time from over 10 hours to a few hours while simultaneously achieving uniform color and high brightness in the final product, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and manufacturing precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional atmospheric pressure process is used, then lower preparative effort is required, but reaction time is very long (> 10 hours)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepreparative effortVSAvoidreaction time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The chelating agents modify the reaction parameters by creating stable copper complexes that undergo controlled precipitation. This chemical modification accelerates the reaction rate significantly, reducing reaction time from over 10 hours to 2-6 hours while maintaining atmospheric pressure conditions, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enables the production of copper(II) hydroxide phosphate with controlled morphology and specific surface area, achieving higher brightness and lower inherent color, resulting in a more suitable product for applications such as plastic additives.

Implementation Method 1

the reaction of an aqueous solution or dispersion of a copper(II) compound and a preferably at least stoichiometric amount of phosphoric acid wherein the reaction in step b) is carried out under pressure and at least one chelating agent is added to the reaction mixture in process step a) and/or b)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectComplex formation: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP4139248B1Use of an additive in the production of copper(II) hydroxide phosphate
Publication Date: 2024.07.17 CHEM FAB BUDENHEIM AG

AI summary

The invention relates to a process for producing copper(II) hydroxide phosphate from a copper(II) compound and phosphoric acid, to a copper(II) hydroxide phosphate obtainable by this process and to the use of an additive in the production of copper(II) hydroxide phosphate.