Microporous Catalyst Capillary Condensation for Alkene Oligomerization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional catalysis reactions face challenges with catalyst deactivation in gas-phase reactions due to irreversible deposition of heavy oligomers at high temperatures, and the need for co-catalysts in liquid-phase reactions limits the practical use of MOF catalysts for alkene oligomerization.
Innovation Solution
A catalytic reaction process involving capillary condensation of gas-phase reactants within the pores of microporous catalysts with pore sizes ≤2 nm, allowing controlled temperature and pressure adjustments to achieve a liquid phase fraction for catalytic reactions, and thermal engineering of carboxylate-based MOF catalysts to generate active sites without the need for activators or solvents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If gas-phase reactants are used at high temperatures, then reactivity and diffusion are enhanced, but catalyst deactivation occurs due to irreversible deposition of heavy oligomers
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state parameter of the reactant from gas-phase to liquid-phase by utilizing capillary condensation within the microporous catalyst structure. This parameter change allows the reaction to proceed at lower temperatures while maintaining high reactivity and diffusion rates, thereby preventing catalyst deactivation from oligomer deposition
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs microporous catalysts with specifically engineered pore sizes (≤2 nm) to induce capillary condensation of gas-phase reactants. The porous structure enables liquid-phase reaction conditions within the pores while maintaining gas-phase operation externally, resolving the contradiction between reactivity enhancement and catalyst stability
2Reliability
If liquid-phase reactants are used, then solvation effects and selectivity are enhanced, but the reaction requires co-catalysts which complicates the system
Solution Approach 1:
The microporous catalyst structure provides the liquid-phase environment needed for solvation effects and selectivity enhancement, while the confined pore space and capillary condensation phenomenon enable this liquid-phase behavior to emerge from gas-phase reactants, eliminating the need for external co-catalysts or solvent systems
Solution Approach 2:
The catalyst structure itself provides the liquid-phase environment through capillary condensation, making the system self-sufficient without requiring external co-catalysts or solvent additives. The porous material automatically creates the necessary reaction conditions through its physical structure
3Reliability
If mesopore catalysts are used to condense reactants, then catalyst deactivation is reduced, but high pressures and sub-ambient temperatures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses microporous rather than mesoporous materials with specifically engineered pore sizes ≤2 nm. This dimensional change in the porous structure enables capillary condensation to occur at much lower pressures and higher temperatures compared to mesopore systems, making the process industrially feasible
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the pore size parameter from mesoporous (2-50 nm) to microporous (≤2 nm), the invention fundamentally alters the pressure and temperature conditions required for condensation. The smaller pore dimensions enable condensation at near-ambient conditions, resolving the contradiction between catalyst stability and operating conditions
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
This approach stabilizes catalysts, enhances reactivity and diffusion, and enables long-term stability and efficient conversion of alkenes to their dimers at lower pressures and industrially feasible temperatures, reducing dependence on co-catalysts.
Implementation Method 1
catalytic reaction process involving capillary condensation of a gas-phase reactant within the pores of a microporous catalyst
Implementation Method 2
enhanced reactivity and diffusion
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is a catalytic reaction process including introducing one or more gas-phase reactants into a reactor comprising a microporous catalyst having a pore size less than or equal to 2 nm and adjusting the temperature and/or the pressure of the reactor such that one or more of the gas-phase reactants condense within the micropores of the catalyst thereby causing the catalytic reaction to take place in a liquid phase. Additionally, a process for engineering defects on a carboxylate-based metal organic framework (MOF) catalyst is described. The process includes providing a carboxylate-based MOF catalyst; and heating the carboxylate-based MOF catalyst in an inert gas atmosphere at temperatures between about 150° C. and about 900° C.