Mixed Metal Oxide Catalyst Activation for Selective Oxidation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mixed metal oxide (MMO) catalysts for the oxidation of alkanes and alkenes to unsaturated carboxylic acids or nitriles suffer from reduced yield and purity due to byproduct formation, necessitating catalysts with increased selectivity.
Innovation Solution
A method for producing a mixed metal oxide catalyst with the empirical formula AaVbNcXdZeOf, involving specific elements and a calcination process with a metal oxide precursor, to enhance selectivity for unsaturated carboxylic acids or nitriles production, including steps of contacting the mixed metal oxide with water and calcining to form a modified mixed metal oxide.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional MMO catalysts are used for oxidation of alkanes and alkenes, then the catalyst can perform the oxidation reaction, but byproducts are formed that reduce yield and purity of the products
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the catalyst's chemical composition parameters through the water treatment process. Specifically, the treatment with water containing metal oxide precursors changes the oxidation states and surface properties of the catalyst metals, thereby improving selectivity for unsaturated carboxylic acids or nitriles while reducing byproduct formation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses water containing metal oxide precursors as an intermediary substance in the catalyst preparation process. This intermediary treatment modifies the catalyst surface properties and metal oxide phases, which in turn enhances the catalyst's selectivity and reduces harmful byproduct formation during the oxidation reaction
2Manufacturing precision
If the mixed metal oxide is contacted with water comprising metal oxide precursor and calcined, then selectivity for unsaturated carboxylic acids or nitriles is improved, but the catalyst preparation process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the water treatment with metal oxide precursors and calcination steps before the actual oxidation reaction. This preliminary modification of the catalyst structure and surface properties ensures high selectivity is achieved in advance, so that during the reaction only the selective transformation occurs without forming byproducts
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 improved selectivity and yield of unsaturated carboxylic acids or nitriles, minimizing byproduct formation and increasing catalyst efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Multi-metal oxide ('MMO') catalysts are well known for (amm)oxidation of alkanes and alkenes to unsaturated carboxylic acids or nitrites
Implementation Method 2
calcining the modified mixed metal oxide to form a calcined modified mixed metal oxide
Data Source
AI summary
A method for producing a catalyst by contacting a mixed metal oxide catalyst with water, and optionally, an aqueous metal oxide precursor to produce a modified mixed metal oxide, and calcining the modified mixed metal oxide.