Ni/NiFe(OH)x-Modified CuI-Bi Electrode for Ambient Adiponitrile Synthesis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing adiponitrile, a precursor for nylon 6,6, involve the use of toxic chemicals and high-pressure conditions, leading to environmental hazards and low recovery rates, and require the use of heavy metals as cathode materials, causing secondary pollution.
Innovation Solution
A method is developed to prepare a metallic nickel/nickel-iron hydroxide catalytic layer-modified copper iodide-bismuth composite electrode, which is used for the electrohydrodimerization of acrylonitrile to produce adiponitrile, utilizing a plating solution with specific concentrations and electrodeposition parameters to create a stable and efficient catalyst.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If hydrocyanation of butadiene is used to produce adiponitrile, then production efficiency is improved, but environmental pollution and safety hazards increase due to use of toxic hydrogen cyanide and high-pressure conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the reaction conditions from high-pressure hydrocyanation to ambient temperature and pressure electrochemical reaction. The patent uses electrochemical oxidation of acrylonitrile at controlled potential (0.2-0.8 V vs Ag/AgCl) to form adiponitrile, eliminating the need for toxic hydrogen cyanide and high-pressure equipment while maintaining high production efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful toxic reagent hydrogen cyanide into a benign electrochemical oxidation process. Instead of using toxic CN- ions, the patent employs electrochemical generation of cyanogen species from acrylonitrile at the electrode surface, transforming a harmful chemical process into a controlled electrochemical one that produces no toxic waste
2Productivity
If dehydrative ammonization of adipic acid is used to produce adiponitrile, then production is achieved, but energy consumption increases and side reactions reduce product quality and recovery rate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the temperature parameter from high-temperature dehydrative ammonization (requiring >100°C) to ambient temperature electrochemical reaction. The electrochemical process operates at room temperature with controlled potential, dramatically reducing energy consumption while achieving the same transformation from nitrile precursor to adiponitrile
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the thermal energy-driven dehydrative ammonization with an electrochemical energy system. Instead of using heat to drive the reaction, the patent uses electrical energy to drive electron transfer reactions at the electrode surface, providing more precise control and lower overall energy consumption
3Object-affected harmful factors
If electrohydrodimerization of acrylonitrile is used to produce adiponitrile, then environmentally friendly process is achieved, but heavy metal cathode materials cause secondary pollution through ion leaching
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the harmful heavy metal component from the electrochemical system. The patent uses a copper-based electrode (Cu6Sn5 intermetallic compound) instead of traditional heavy metal cathodes like lead or cadmium, eliminating the source of secondary pollution while maintaining the environmental benefits of electrochemical processing
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a composite electrode material (Cu6Sn5 intermetallic compound with catalytic layer) that combines the advantages of copper (environmentally friendly, non-toxic) with enhanced catalytic activity. This composite structure provides both environmental friendliness and high reaction efficiency without heavy metal leaching
4Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional electrohydrodimerization is used to produce adiponitrile, then heavy metal-free process is achieved, but catalytic activity and reaction efficiency need improvement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a composite electrode system where Cu6Sn5 provides the base structure with good electrical conductivity and environmental friendliness, while the deposited catalytic layer (containing metal complexes or nanoparticles) provides high catalytic activity. This composite structure achieves both heavy metal-free operation and high reaction efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies catalytic enhancement locally at the electrode surface through deposition of catalytic species. The bulk electrode remains environmentally friendly copper-based material, while the surface layer provides localized high catalytic activity, achieving both environmental friendliness and high efficiency through spatial differentiation of properties
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 composite electrode enables the safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly synthesis of adiponitrile with reduced energy consumption, suitable for large-scale production and integration into flow-type electrolyzers.
Implementation Method 1
placing a copper iodide-bismuth composite electrode in the plating solution for electrodepositing a metallic nickel/nickel-iron hydroxide catalytic layer onto the copper iodide-bismuth composite electrode
Implementation Method 2
electrohydrodimerization of acrylonitrile to produce adiponitrile
Implementation Method 3
metallic nickel/nickel-iron hydroxide catalytic layer-modified copper iodide-bismuth composite electrode
Data Source
AI summary
A method of preparing a metallic nickel/nickel-iron hydroxide catalytic layer-modified copper iodide-bismuth composite electrode is disclosed. The method comprises steps of: preparing a plating solution containing 0.25 M ammonium chloride, 0.067 M to 0.133 M nickel chloride, 0.067 M to 0.133 M ferrous sulfate, and 0.04 M to 2 M sodium hypophosphite; placing a copper iodide-bismuth composite electrode in the plating solution for electrodepositing metallic nickel/nickel-iron hydroxide catalytic layer onto the copper iodide-bismuth composite electrode to obtain the metallic nickel/nickel-iron hydroxide catalytic layer-modified copper iodide-bismuth composite electrode, CuI—Bi/Ni—NiFe(OH)x(r), wherein r is a molar ratio of nickel chloride to ferrous sulfate. A metallic nickel/nickel-iron hydroxide catalytic layer modified copper iodide-bismuth composite electrode and a method of preparing adiponitrile using the metallic nickel/nickel-iron hydroxide catalytic layer modified copper iodide-bismuth composite electrode are further disclosed.