Ethyleneamine Catalyst Selectivity via Multi-Metal Composition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current processes for producing ethylenediamine (EDA) face challenges in selectivity and by-product formation, with existing catalysts often resulting in the formation of undesirable cyclic and higher ethanolamines, and requiring complex separation steps due to the volatility of certain by-products like NMEDA.
Innovation Solution
A heterogeneous catalyst is developed by reducing a catalyst precursor containing Sn, Cu, and Ni, and subsequently contacting it with Ru and Co compounds, which enhances the selectivity for linear amination products like MEA and EDA while reducing the formation of cyclic and higher ethanolamines and undesirable by-products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If existing catalysts are used for MEG amination, then the reaction can proceed, but selectivity for linear products is low and cyclic/higher ethanolamines are formed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the catalyst composition with specific metal ratios (Cu: 1-10 wt%, Ni: 1-10 wt%, Zn: 1-20 wt%, Co: 1-10 wt%, Ru: 0.1-5 wt%) and optimizing reaction conditions (temperature: 150-350°C, pressure: 3-30 bar, ammonia to MEG ratio: 0.5-2.0) to achieve high selectivity for linear amination products while minimizing cyclic and higher ethanolamine formation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by creating a multi-metal catalyst system combining Cu, Ni, Zn, Co, and Ru on a support material. This composite catalyst structure synergistically enhances activity and selectivity for linear products (MEA and EDA) while suppressing side reactions that form cyclic and higher ethanolamines
2Productivity
If by-products like NMEDA are formed, then the reaction complexity increases, but separation becomes more difficult due to volatility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by using the optimized catalyst and reaction conditions to prevent the formation of problematic by-products like NMEDA in the first place. The specific catalyst composition and controlled reaction parameters (temperature: 150-350°C, pressure: 3-30 bar) suppress side reactions that would otherwise create difficult-to-separate volatile by-products, thereby simplifying downstream separation
3Quantity of substance
If MEG is produced from EO with high selectivity, then raw material availability improves, but the production process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the taking out principle by extracting MEG from the EO reaction pathway through selective hydrolysis of ethylene carbonate (formed from EO and CO2). This two-step process (EO → ethylene carbonate → MEG) separates the MEG production from direct EO hydration, achieving ~99% selectivity and simplifying the overall process by avoiding complex separation of di- and triethylene glycol by-products
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 achieves high selectivity for MEA and EDA, low selectivity for cyclic amination products, and reduced formation of undesirable by-products, leading to improved space-time yields and product purity.
Implementation Method 1
A heterogeneous catalyst is developed by reducing a catalyst precursor containing Sn, Cu, and Ni
Implementation Method 2
A heterogeneous catalyst is developed by reducing a catalyst precursor containing Sn, Cu, and Ni, and subsequently contacting it with Ru and Co compounds, which enhances the selectivity for linear amination products
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for producing alkanolamines and/or ethyleneamines in the liquid phase, by reacting ethylene glycol and/or monoethanolamine with ammonia in the presence of an amination catalyst obtained by reducing a catalyst precursor. The invention is characterised in that the production of the catalyst precursor comprises a step a) in which, first, a catalyst precursor is produced, which contains at least one catalytically active component selected from Sn, Cu and Ni, and then, the catalyst precursor produced in step a) is brought into contact with a soluble Ru compound and a soluble Co compound, together or consecutively, in a step b).