Iodine-Doped TiO2 Nano-Catalyst for Carotenoid Isomerization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for increasing the proportion of cis-configuration carotenoids, such as thermal and photoisomerization, are inefficient, complex, and pose safety and environmental concerns due to the use of elemental iodine in photoisomerization processes.
Innovation Solution
A method for preparing an iodine-doped TiO2 nano-catalyst using a sol-gel process with a titanate ester and iodine-containing compound, which catalyzes the transformation of trans-carotenoids into their cis-isomers in an organic phase without light, allowing for high cis-configuration production with improved safety and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If thermal isomerization is used to increase cis-configuration carotenoids, then the transformation from all-trans to cis configuration is achieved, but the processing time is long and the 5-cis-lycopene content is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the reaction parameters by introducing a catalyst system (iodine-doped TiO2 nano-catalyst) and controlling reaction conditions (temperature 40-80°C, time 2-6 hours) to achieve high cis-configuration conversion rate while significantly reducing processing time compared to thermal isomerization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite nano-catalyst material (iodine-doped TiO2) that combines TiO2 semiconductor properties with iodine catalytic activity, creating a highly efficient catalyst that accelerates the isomerization reaction and improves 5-cis-lycopene selectivity
2Manufacturing precision
If direct photoisomerization is used to prepare cis-carotenoids, then the transformation is achieved, but special reaction apparatus is required and reaction scale expansion is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex photoisomerization system (requiring light sources, optical apparatus) with a thermal-catalytic system using iodine-doped TiO2 nano-catalyst that operates under simple heating conditions, enabling easy scale-up and simplified reaction apparatus
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the reaction mechanism from photochemical to thermal-catalytic, allowing the reaction to proceed under conventional heating conditions (40-80°C) without requiring special photoreaction apparatus, thus simplifying the reaction system and enabling industrial scale-up
3Productivity
If elemental iodine is used as catalyst in photoisomerization, then the catalytic transformation is achieved, but iodine loss by sublimation occurs and product safety cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite nano-catalyst where iodine is doped into TiO2 matrix, forming a stable structure that prevents iodine sublimation while maintaining catalytic activity. The TiO2 support anchors the iodine species, eliminating iodine loss and ensuring product safety
Solution Approach 2:
The TiO2 nano-catalyst acts as an intermediary carrier that holds the iodine active sites, mediating between the reactants and iodine catalyst. This intermediary structure prevents direct iodine contact with the product while maintaining catalytic function, thus ensuring product safety
4Productivity
If elemental iodine is used as catalyst, then the catalytic transformation is achieved, but the removal of iodine after reaction is difficult and production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The TiO2 nano-catalyst serves as a removable intermediary that can be easily separated from the reaction mixture by filtration or centrifugation due to its solid nano-particle form. The iodine remains bound to the TiO2, preventing product contamination and simplifying purification, thus reducing production cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables easy discarding of the catalyst from the reaction system through filtration or centrifugation, and the catalyst can be recovered and reused. This eliminates the need for complex iodine removal steps and reduces production cost by enabling catalyst recycling
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 iodine-doped TiO2 nano-catalyst achieves high conversion rates of trans-carotenoids to cis-isomers, with over 75% total cis-lycopene and 50% total cis-β-carotene, while reducing processing time and environmental impact, and is recyclable and economically viable.
Implementation Method 1
use of the iodine-doped TiO2 nano-catalyst in heterogeneously catalyzing configuration transformation of trans-carotenoids
Implementation Method 2
A method for preparing an iodine-doped TiO2 nano-catalyst using a sol-gel process with a titanate ester and iodine-containing compound
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for preparing an iodine-doped TiO2 nano-catalyst and use of the catalyst in heterogeneously catalyzing configuration transformation of trans-carotenoids. The iodine-doped TiO2 nano-catalyst is prepared by a sol-gel process using a titanate ester as a precursor and an iodine-containing compound as a dopant in the presence of a diluent, inhibitor and complexing agent. The catalyst exhibits high activity for isomerization of the trans-carotenoids into their cis-isomers within a short catalytic time. The catalyst can be easily prepared and is highly efficient, economical, recyclable and environmentally friendly.