Mo-Cr-Cu Catalyst for Renewable Oil Deoxygenation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydrotreating catalysts used in the deoxygenation of renewable oils and greases for producing renewable diesel do not achieve superior oxygen removal performance, particularly when compared to the innovative catalyst formulations that include Mo and promoters like Cr and Cu.
Innovation Solution
Catalyst formulations containing Mo as the main active component, promoted with oxides of Cr, Cu, and their mixtures, which are not typically present in conventional hydrotreating catalysts, providing enhanced oxygen removal activity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional hydrotreating catalysts (Ni, Mo, P on Al2O3) are used for deoxygenation, then the process is simple and well-established, but oxygen removal performance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite catalyst formulation by combining Mo with Cu and/or Cr promoters on Al2O3 support. This composite approach creates synergistic effects where Cu and/or Cr enhance the deoxygenation activity of Mo, achieving superior oxygen removal performance (complete conversion at lower temperatures) that cannot be achieved with conventional NiMo or standalone Mo catalysts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the catalyst by introducing Cu and/or Cr as promoters. Specifically, the catalyst contains Mo (1-30 wt%), Cu (0.1-10 wt%), Cr (0.1-10 wt%), and Al2O3 support. This parameter modification transforms the catalyst's deoxygenation activity, enabling it to achieve complete oxygen conversion at temperatures 50-100°C lower than conventional catalysts.
2Productivity
If Cu and Cr promoters are added to enhance deoxygenation activity, then oxygen removal performance improves significantly, but catalyst manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-mixing Cu and Cr promoters with Mo and Al2O3 during catalyst manufacturing. The promoters are incorporated into the catalyst structure before the deoxygenation reaction, ensuring uniform distribution and optimal synergistic effects. This pre-incorporation simplifies the manufacturing process compared to post-synthesis promoter addition, while maintaining high deoxygenation productivity.
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
These catalysts achieve significantly superior oxygen removal performance compared to conventional catalysts at the same operating conditions, with Cr and Cu promoters delivering exceptional deoxygenation results without altering gas or liquid product selectivities.
Implementation Method 1
hydrotreating catalyst formulations and their use in a fixed bed continuous process to provide remarkably superior oxygen removal performance
Implementation Method 2
deoxygenation via hydrotreating to form n-paraffins with the removal of oxygen as H2O and/or CO/CO2
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for deoxygenating renewable oils comprised of natural oils or greases or derivatives thereof containing triglycerides or free fatty acids includes the steps of: providing a catalyst comprising a support predominantly comprised of alumina with metal compounds provided on the support based on Mo and at least one selected from the group consisting of Ni and Co, and at least one selected from the group consisting of Cu and Cr, and contacting the renewable oils with the catalyst under conditions sufficient to deoxygenate the renewable oils.