Fixed-Bed FDCA Production Using Low-Cost Multi-Metal Catalysts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for preparing furan dicarboxylic acid from 5-hydroxymethylfurfural face challenges such as harsh reaction conditions, expensive catalysts, and complex, uncontrollable catalyst preparation processes, which are unfavorable for large-scale industrial production.

Innovation Solution

A method using a multi-metal catalyst (LaxCoyMnVz) in a fixed-bed reactor with 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and alkali in water, followed by acidification and filtration, to produce furan dicarboxylic acid, employing a simple and economical process suitable for industrial production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If noble metal-based catalysts (platinum, palladium, gold, ruthenium) are used to oxidize HMF to FDCA, then catalytic efficiency is improved, but catalyst cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalytic efficiencyVSAvoidcatalyst cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive noble metal catalysts with inexpensive non-noble metal catalysts (Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Mn, Zn, Al, or their oxides). These cheaper catalysts achieve comparable catalytic efficiency in the oxidation of HMF to FDCA, significantly reducing catalyst cost while maintaining productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite catalyst systems combining multiple non-noble metals (e.g., Fe-Co-Ni-Cu-Mn-Zn-Al oxides) to achieve synergistic effects. This composite approach enhances catalytic performance and selectivity while using abundant, low-cost metals instead of rare noble metals

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If conventional oxidation methods are used to convert HMF to FDCA, then product formation is achieved, but reaction conditions become harsh and uncontrollable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct formationVSAvoidreaction condition harshness
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes reaction parameters including temperature (100-200°C), pressure (0.1-5 MPa), pH value (2-12), and oxygen concentration to achieve mild and controllable reaction conditions. These parameter adjustments enable efficient conversion of HMF to FDCA under moderate conditions rather than harsh environments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback control mechanisms to monitor and adjust reaction conditions in real-time. By controlling oxygen supply, pH levels, and temperature dynamically, the system maintains optimal reaction conditions and prevents runaway reactions, ensuring safe and controllable production

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If existing catalyst preparation methods are used, then catalytic activity is achieved, but the process becomes complex and uncontrollable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalytic activityVSAvoidcatalyst preparation process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the catalyst preparation into simple sequential steps: mixing metal salts with citric acid, calcining at 400-600°C for 2-6 hours, and obtaining the final catalyst. This segmented approach simplifies the preparation process while maintaining high catalytic activity, making it suitable for industrial implementation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The catalyst preparation process is designed to be self-contained and straightforward. The metal salts and citric acid automatically form the desired catalyst structure through calcination without requiring complex equipment or multiple processing stages. The method is simple, reproducible, and easily scalable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 method achieves high catalytic activity and selectivity, enabling convenient product separation and a cost-effective, environmentally friendly process for furan dicarboxylic acid production.

Implementation Method 1

employing a fixed-bed reactor, using a multi-metal catalyst, loading the catalyst into a bed layer of the fixed-bed reactor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 2

5-hydroxymethylfurfural (abbreviated as HMF), HMF can be oxidatively converted into various important compounds, such as maleic anhydride, furan dialdehyde, furan dicarboxylic acid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 3

then precipitating solid matter through acidification

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPrecipitation: Precipitation

Data Source

PatentUS20250376454A1Method and Apparatus for Preparing Furan Dicarboxylic Acid
Publication Date: 2025.12.11 HEFEI LEAF BIOTECH CO LTD
  • US20250376454A1 patent drawing
  • US20250376454A1 patent drawing
  • US20250376454A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present application discloses a method and apparatus for preparing furan dicarboxylic acid, more specifically, the method comprises: using 5-hydroxymethylfurfural as raw material, water as reaction solvent with added alkali to obtain a mixed reaction liquid, using a fixed bed as reactor, multi-metal LaxCoyMnVz with different proportions as catalyst, at a certain temperature and oxygen pressure, flowing through the catalyst bed layer at a certain feed rate to obtain an aqueous solution containing furan dicarboxylate, precipitating furan dicarboxylic acid through acidification, and filtering to obtain the solid product. This method yields high product recovery, features a simple process route, and has potential industrial application prospects.