Copper-Nickel Catalyst Dehalogenation for Fluoroolefin Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
The fluorocarbon industry faces challenges in finding replacements for ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons and hydrochlorofluorocarbons that also have low global warming potential, necessitating the development of halogenated hydrocarbons and fluoroolefins without chlorine.
Innovation Solution
A process for dehalogenation of chlorofluorocompounds is developed, involving the contact of saturated chlorofluorocompounds with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst at sufficient temperature to remove chlorine and/or fluorine substituents, producing fluorine-containing terminal olefins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional catalysts are used for dehalogenation, then the reaction can proceed, but the catalysts quickly deactivate due to coking and require frequent regeneration or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the catalyst by incorporating specific metal oxides (molybdenum oxide, vanadium oxide, tungsten oxide) in optimized ratios, along with promoters like cesium oxide and potassium oxide. This compositional parameter change enhances the catalyst's resistance to coking and maintains activity over extended periods without regeneration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite catalyst system combining multiple metal oxides (CuO, NiO, MoO3, V2O5, WO3) with alkaline earth metal promoters (Cs2O, K2O) on a support material. This composite structure provides synergistic effects that prevent catalyst deactivation mechanisms while maintaining high dehalogenation activity
2Reliability
If the catalyst structure is made more complex to improve selectivity and stability, then catalytic performance improves, but catalyst preparation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a preliminary action approach by pre-forming the complex multi-oxide catalyst composition through controlled impregnation and calcination steps before use. The catalyst is prepared with predetermined ratios of metal oxides and promoters that are thermally treated to establish the active phase structure in advance, simplifying subsequent application while maintaining complex functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal catalyst formulation that simultaneously provides multiple functions: dehalogenation activity from CuO/NiO, coke resistance from MoO3/V2O5/WO3, and promotional effects from Cs2O/K2O. This multi-functional composite catalyst handles various chlorofluorocarbon substrates and operates under different conditions without requiring separate specialized catalysts
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
This process effectively converts chlorofluorocompounds into fluorine-containing terminal olefins, addressing the need for compounds with zero ozone depletion potential and low global warming potential, while maintaining the physical integrity and activity of the catalysts used.
Implementation Method 1
contacting a saturated chlorofluorocompound with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst at a temperature sufficient to remove chlorine and/or fluorine substituents
Implementation Method 2
contacting a saturated chlorofluorocompound with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure describes a process for dehalogenation of chlorofluorocompounds. The process comprises contacting a saturated chlorofluorocompound with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst at a temperature sufficient to remove chlorine and/or fluorine substituents to produce a fluorine containing terminal olefin.