Hydrothermally Stable Catalyst Preparation for Glycol Production
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current catalyst compositions for converting saccharides to glycols are not hydrothermally stable, leading to catalyst deactivation and impurity issues under high aqueous conditions, requiring frequent catalyst replacement and altering reaction conditions.
Innovation Solution
A catalyst composition is prepared by contacting a carbon support with a catalyst precursor solution containing elements from groups 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11, followed by drying and treatment in a hydrogen atmosphere within a sealed reactor, creating a hydrothermally stable and active catalyst for glycol production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional catalyst compositions are used under high aqueous conditions, then glycol production can proceed, but the catalyst deactivates and loses hydrothermal stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the preparation parameters of the catalyst, specifically treating the metal-impregnated carbon with hydrogen at elevated temperatures (200-400°C) to reduce the metal to its metallic state and create hydrothermally stable catalyst particles that resist deactivation under aqueous reaction conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite catalyst structure consisting of metal particles (Ru, Rh, Pd, Pt, Ir, or their alloys) supported on carbon material. This composite structure provides both the catalytic activity of the metal and the hydrothermal stability of the carbon support, preventing catalyst deactivation in aqueous environments
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional catalyst preparation methods are used, then catalyst can be produced, but the preparation process is complex and requires multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary impregnation of the carbon support with metal salts before the actual catalytic reaction. This preliminary action ensures uniform metal distribution and appropriate loading, simplifying the overall process by preparing the catalyst in advance with controlled metal content and distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple catalyst preparation steps (impregnation, drying, and hydrogen treatment) into a integrated process that can be performed in a single reactor vessel. The metal impregnation and hydrogen treatment are merged into one continuous operation, reducing the number of separate equipment units and process steps
3Productivity
If conventional catalysts are used, then glycol production can occur, but metal leaching occurs leading to product contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical state of the metal component by reducing it to metallic form through hydrogen treatment. This parameter change creates a more stable metal-carbon interface that prevents metal leaching into the aqueous reaction medium while maintaining high catalytic activity for glycol production
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a hydrogen atmosphere during catalyst preparation and maintains an inert or reducing environment during reaction. This protective atmosphere prevents oxidation of the metal particles and stabilizes the metal-carbon interface, eliminating metal leaching into the product while preserving catalytic function
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 results in a hydrothermally stable and active catalyst that reduces the complexity of catalyst preparation, minimizes equipment needs, and maintains catalytic performance across a wider range of conditions, enhancing glycol yields and reducing impurities.
Implementation Method 1
a catalyst composition for catalysing hydrogenation and hydrogenolysis reactions
Implementation Method 2
catalysing hydrogenation and hydrogenolysis reactions
Implementation Method 3
a carbon support is contacted with a catalyst precursor solution to form a metal impregnated carbon
Implementation Method 4
the metal impregnated carbon is treated in a hydrogen atmosphere to form an activated catalyst composition
Data Source
AI summary
A process for the preparation of a catalyst composition for catalysing hydrogenation and hydrogenolysis reactions wherein, (a) a carbon support is contacted with a catalyst precursor solution comprising at least one element from groups 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 of 5 the periodic table to form a metal impregnated carbon; (b) the metal impregnated carbon is dried at a temperature of no greater than 400oC and placed in a reactor vessel; (c) the reactor vessel is sealed; and (d) the metal impregnated carbon is treated in the reactor 10 vessel in an atmosphere comprising hydrogen at a temperature of from 25 oC to 350 oC.