GaN-Pt Catalyst for Direct Methane to Cyclohexane Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for converting methane to cyclohexane are inefficient, relying on the hydrogenation of benzene, which is heavily based on the petroleum industry, and there is a lack of effective catalysts for direct liquefaction of methane to cyclohexane.
Innovation Solution
A catalyst comprising gallium nitride (GaN) and platinum (Pt) clusters, where the Pt clusters are deposited on the surface of GaN, zinc oxide, or gallium oxide, facilitating the conversion of methane to cyclohexane at temperatures between 250° C and 350° C.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional hydrogenation of benzene is used to produce cyclohexane, then cyclohexane can be produced, but the method is heavily based on petroleum industry and not suitable for methane-based feedstock
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the fundamental reaction parameters by developing a catalyst system (GaN with Pt clusters) that enables direct methane-to-cyclohexane conversion at 250-350°C, replacing the conventional benzene hydrogenation pathway. This parameter change allows adaptation to methane feedstock while maintaining process feasibility through the specific catalyst composition and reaction conditions
2Productivity
If direct liquefaction of methane to cyclohexane is implemented, then methane can be converted to liquid product, but effective catalysts are currently lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a composite catalyst material consisting of gallium nitride (GaN) support with platinum (Pt) clusters deposited on its surface. This composite structure combines the properties of GaN (providing surface area and stability) with Pt (providing catalytic activity for C-H bond activation and cyclohexane formation), achieving both high conversion efficiency and reliable catalyst performance for direct methane liquefaction
Solution Approach 2:
The catalyst design applies local quality by concentrating platinum in cluster form on specific surfaces of the GaN particles, with Pt loading optimized at 0.75-4% by weight. This localized distribution of active sites maximizes catalytic effectiveness while minimizing precious metal usage, enabling efficient methane conversion
3Speed
If methane conversion is performed at high temperature, then reaction rate increases, but selectivity to cyclohexane decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the temperature parameter to a specific range of 250-350°C, which is lower than conventional high-temperature methane processing. Within this optimized temperature window, the GaN-Pt catalyst system achieves both adequate reaction rates and high cyclohexane selectivity (up to 90%), resolving the trade-off between speed and precision through careful parameter control
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 cyclohexane, with up to 90% selectivity and 88% yield, and demonstrates excellent reusability without significant loss of activity, making it a viable alternative for cyclohexane production.
Implementation Method 1
A catalyst comprising gallium nitride (GaN) and platinum (Pt) clusters, where the Pt clusters are deposited on the surface of GaN, zinc oxide, or gallium oxide, facilitating the conversion of methane to cyclohexane
Implementation Method 2
depositing from about 0.75 to about 4% by weight of platinum on the surface of the gallium nitride (such as a GaN nanoparticle), the zinc oxide, the gallium oxide or the combination thereof to obtain the catalyst by chemical reduction
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a catalyst for the conversion of methane to cyclohexane. The catalyst comprises gallium nitride, zinc oxide, gallium oxide or a combination thereof; and platinum clusters deposited at the surface of the gallium nitride, the zinc oxide, the gallium oxide or the combination thereof. The platinum clusters collectively represent from about 0.75 to about 4% by weight of the catalyst.