Fe-Co Catalyst Composition for CO2-to-Jet Fuel C8-16 Selectivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) from carbon dioxide hydrogenation reactions have a low production ratio of hydrocarbons with carbon numbers 8 to 16, which are essential for jet fuel components.

Innovation Solution

A carbon dioxide reduction catalyst comprising Fe, Co, and Zn (with optional Na) facilitates a single-stage reverse water gas shift and FT synthesis reaction, enhancing the production of hydrocarbons with carbon numbers 8 to 16 by adjusting metal content and using a second catalyst with Fe and Ga or Zr upstream.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a catalyst including Cu, Zn, and alumina is used for synthesizing methanol from carbon dioxide and hydrogen, then methanol production is achieved, but hydrocarbons with carbon numbers 8 to 16 cannot be produced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction ratio of hydrocarbons with carbon numbers 8 to 16VSAvoidlow production ratio of SAF components
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the catalyst composition parameters by incorporating Fe, Co, and Zn in specific proportions, and introduces Na as an additional catalytic metal. This parameter modification transforms the catalyst's function from methanol synthesis to hydrocarbon synthesis with carbon numbers 8 to 16, directly resolving the contradiction between achieving SAF component production and avoiding low production ratios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite catalyst material combining multiple metals (Fe, Co, Zn, and Na) with specific functional properties. This composite structure enables the catalyst to perform both reverse water gas shift reaction and FT synthesis reaction, producing the desired hydrocarbon range for SAF while avoiding the limitations of single-metal catalysts

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Quantity of substance

If potassium is used as a co-catalyst with Fe catalyst in FT synthesis reaction to prepare highly branched products with carbon number 5 or more, then liquid fuel production is achieved, but the production ratio of hydrocarbons with carbon numbers 8 to 16 remains low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction ratio of hydrocarbons with carbon numbers 8 to 16VSAvoidoverall efficiency of SAF production
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention modifies the catalyst composition by replacing potassium with Na and adding Co, creating a Fe-Co-Zn-Na catalyst system. This parameter change optimizes the carbon chain growth distribution to specifically enhance production of hydrocarbons with carbon numbers 8 to 16, directly addressing the low SAF component production ratio while improving overall productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The Fe-Co-Zn-Na catalyst system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it catalyzes reverse water gas shift reaction to convert CO2 to CO, and conducts FT synthesis to produce hydrocarbons in the desired carbon number range. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by achieving both high selectivity for C8-16 hydrocarbons and overall efficient SAF production

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If the carbonation reaction is performed in a single stage, then process complexity is reduced, but the carbon number of produced hydrocarbons is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of reaction stagesVSAvoidcarbon number of hydrocarbons
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The Fe-Co-Zn-Na catalyst system is designed to perform both reverse water gas shift reaction and FT synthesis reaction within a single reaction stage. This multi-functional catalyst eliminates the need for separate reaction stages while maintaining high carbon number hydrocarbon production, directly resolving the contradiction between process simplicity and hydrocarbon quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 system significantly improves the production ratio of hydrocarbons with carbon numbers 8 to 16, enabling efficient jet fuel production by suppressing by-products and optimizing reaction conditions.

Implementation Method 1

the second catalyst allows a reverse water gas shift reaction in which carbon dioxide is reduced to carbon monoxide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReverse water gas shift reaction: Chemical Transport Reactions

Implementation Method 2

an FT synthesis reaction in which carbon monoxide is converted into hydrocarbons

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFischer-Tropsch synthesis reaction: Chemical Transport Reactions

Implementation Method 3

a technique for producing a fuel by subjecting carbon dioxide to a hydrogenation reaction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrogenation: Hydrogenation

Data Source

PatentEP4691630A1Carbon dioxide reduction catalyst, carbon dioxide reduction catalyst device, and method for producing jet fuel
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP4691630A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4691630A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4A
  • EP4691630A1 patent drawingFigure 4B~4C

AI summary

The present invention addresses the problem of providing a carbon dioxide reduction catalyst capable of preferably producing C8-16 hydrocarbons through a hydrogenation reaction of carbon dioxide. An aspect for solving the problem is a carbon dioxide reduction catalyst for reducing carbon dioxide through a hydrogenation reaction of carbon dioxide to produce hydrocarbons. The carbon dioxide reduction catalyst contains Fe, Co, and Zn as catalyst metals and the content of Zn is 7.5-12.5 mass%, or contains Fe, Co, and Al as catalyst metals and the content of Al is 8.5-11.5 mass%.