Cucurbituril Macrocycle Extraction for Low-Energy Cycloalkane Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional separation methods for cycloalkanes from crude oil are energy-intensive, costly, and face challenges in achieving high selectivity and strong affinity due to the complex composition of petroleum, leading to inefficient use of resources and high carbon emissions.
Innovation Solution
The use of aqueous solutions of cucurbituril macrocycles for selective extraction of cycloalkanes through host-guest complex formation, allowing for efficient separation under ambient conditions without the need for high-temperature and low-pressure processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional distillation and refining processes are used to separate cycloalkanes from crude oil, then separation can be achieved, but energy consumption increases and production costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs cucurbituril macrocycles with porous structures that selectively adsorb cycloalkanes from crude oil through size-exclusion and affinity-based mechanisms. The porous nature of the cucurbituril framework allows selective penetration and binding of cycloalkane molecules while excluding other hydrocarbons, achieving high separation purity without requiring energy-intensive distillation processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical-chemical parameters of the separation medium by using aqueous solutions of cucurbituril macrocycles instead of conventional organic solvents. This parameter change enables selective extraction based on differences in hydrophobicity and molecular size, allowing separation of cycloalkanes from crude oil components through controlled partitioning rather than high-energy thermal processes
2Manufacturing precision
If adsorptive separation using porous adsorbents is used to separate highly pure single hydrocarbons, then selectivity improves, but the process becomes complex and requires high-temperature and low-pressure conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces aqueous cucurbituril macrocycles as intermediary agents between the crude oil mixture and the separation process. These macrocycles act as selective mediators that bind to cycloalkanes through host-guest complex formation, facilitating transfer from the oil phase to the aqueous phase under ambient conditions, thereby simplifying the overall process while maintaining high selectivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters from high-temperature and low-pressure conditions to ambient temperature and pressure by utilizing the inherent affinity and size-exclusion properties of cucurbituril macrocycles. This parameter modification eliminates the need for complex thermal and pressure control systems while achieving effective separation
3Productivity
If heterogeneous adsorption and desorption processes are used to enhance mass transfer rates, then separation efficiency improves, but operational costs and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs self-service mechanisms where the aqueous cucurbituril macrocycle solution automatically separates cycloalkanes from crude oil through spontaneous host-guest complex formation and phase partitioning. The process requires no external energy input for heating or pressurization, as the separation is driven by inherent molecular affinity and solubility differences, thereby achieving high productivity without operational energy costs
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
Achieves high selectivity and specificity in separating cycloalkanes with over 99% purity, reducing energy consumption and operational costs while maintaining solvent stability and recyclability.
Implementation Method 1
The use of aqueous solutions of cucurbituril macrocycles for selective extraction of cycloalkanes through host-guest complex formation
Implementation Method 2
the cucurbituril macrocycle is selective for extraction of at least one of the one or more cycloalkanes
Implementation Method 3
contacting a petroleum solution including one or more cycloalkanes with an aqueous solution including a cucurbituril macrocycle to produce a first aqueous phase and a first organic phase
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure include methods for separating cycloalkanes comprising contacting a petroleum solution including one or more cycloalkanes with an aqueous solution including a cucurbituril macrocycle to produce a first aqueous phase and a first organic phase, wherein the cucurbituril macrocycle is selective for extraction of at least one of the one or more cycloalkanes.