Catalytic Hydrogenation of Fluorinated Olefins Using Supported Metal Catalysts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current catalysts for the hydrogenation of hexafluoropropene and 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoropropene to produce 1,1,1,2,3,3-hexafluoropropane and 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoropropane lack optimal performance, longevity, and cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A process utilizing solid catalysts such as Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Cr, Ru, Rh, Ag, Re, Os, Ir, Pt, Au, and Sn, supported on materials like activated carbon, for catalytic hydrogenation of precursor compounds, with optional promoters like Cr or Sn, to achieve high conversion and selectivity of hydrofluorocarbon compounds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Pd-based catalysts are used for hydrogenation of HFP and 1234yf, then good catalytic performance is achieved, but catalyst cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive Pd-based catalysts with cheaper alternative catalysts including Ni-based, Cu-based, Co-based, and other metal catalysts that can achieve satisfactory catalytic performance at lower cost, effectively substituting expensive materials with economical alternatives
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite catalyst systems combining multiple metals (e.g., Ni-Cu, Co-Mo, Fe-K) or metal-support combinations (e.g., Ni/Al2O3, Pd/C) to achieve synergistic effects that maintain high catalytic activity and selectivity while reducing reliance on expensive single-metal catalysts
2Productivity
If conventional catalysts are used for hydrogenation, then reasonable conversion is achieved, but catalyst longevity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes catalyst performance by adjusting physical and chemical parameters including metal particle size, metal loading percentage, support surface area and pore structure, promoter composition, and preparation conditions to enhance both initial activity and long-term stability of the catalyst
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates promoters and stabilizers in the catalyst formulation before reaction begins, and implements pre-treatment steps to protect the catalyst from deactivation mechanisms such as sintering, poisoning, and coking, thereby extending catalyst life and maintaining consistent performance over time
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 process achieves significant conversion and selectivity of hydrofluorocarbon compounds, with catalysts like Ni/C demonstrating high activity and stability, offering a cost-effective alternative to existing palladium-based catalysts.
Implementation Method 1
The contact is carried out in the presence of a solid catalyst... The catalyst is selected from the group consisting of Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Cr, Ru, Rh, Ag, Re, Os, Ir, Pt, Au, Sn
Implementation Method 2
These metals are preferably supported on a carrier such as activated carbon
Data Source
AI summary
A process for producing hydrofluorocarbon compounds represented by the following formula:CF3CHFCHm+1Fn wherein m is 0 or 2; n is 0 or 2; and m+n=2. The process has the step of contacting, i.e., reacting, hydrogen with a precursor compound represented by the following formula:CF3CF═CHmFn wherein m is 0 or 2; n is 0 or 2; and m+n=2. The contact is carried out in the presence of a solid catalyst and in the presence or absence of an inert gas. The catalyst is selected from the group consisting of: Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Cr, Ru, Rh, Ag, Re, Os, Ir, Pt, Au, Sn, and any combinations thereof. For the hydrogenation of 1234yf to 254eb, Pd can also be used as catalyst in addition to the other above-referenced metals. These metals are preferably supported on a carrier such as activated carbon.