Modified Beta Zeolite Catalyst for Lactic Acid Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing lactic acid from biomass are inefficient, environmentally harmful, and have low yields due to the need for alkali addition and complex processes, limiting its industrial application.
Innovation Solution
A one-step process using modified beta zeolites, where aluminum is removed from beta zeolites using nitric acid and specific metals are fixed through solid-state ion exchange, allowing for the catalytic conversion of biomass into lactic acid without alkali, enhancing yield and simplifying the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If alkali is added to improve lactic acid yield, then the yield increases, but the process complexity increases and environmental harm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes alkali from the reaction system by using modified beta zeolite catalysts that provide the necessary basicity through their structural properties rather than through alkali addition. This extraction of the harmful substance while maintaining the beneficial effect resolves the contradiction between yield improvement and process simplification.
Solution Approach 2:
The modified beta zeolite acts as an intermediary that provides the necessary catalytic function without requiring alkali addition. The zeolite's modified structure serves as a mediator that enables high yield while avoiding the complexity and environmental harm associated with alkali processing.
2Productivity
If alkali is added to improve lactic acid yield, then the yield increases, but environmental harm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates alkali from the process by using modified beta zeolite catalysts that achieve the same catalytic effect through their inherent structural properties, thereby resolving the contradiction between high yield and environmental protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of requiring alkali addition into a benefit by designing zeolite catalysts with modified structures that provide the necessary basicity intrinsically, transforming a harmful process requirement into a beneficial catalyst design feature.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional hydrothermal method is used to prepare catalysts, then catalysts can be synthesized, but the preparation time is long and cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the preparation parameters from traditional hydrothermal conditions to a solid-state ion exchange method, fundamentally altering the synthesis approach to achieve faster catalyst preparation while maintaining or improving catalyst performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex hydrothermal synthesis mechanism with a simpler solid-state ion exchange process, substituting a time-consuming and costly method with a more efficient and economical alternative that achieves the same catalytic functionality.
4Device complexity
If modified beta zeolites are used without alkali, then process is simplified and environment is protected, but lactic acid yield must be maintained at high level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite modified beta zeolite materials that combine the zeolite structure with specific metal modifications to achieve both process simplicity and high yield. The composite nature of the catalyst provides the necessary catalytic activity without requiring alkali addition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces local quality modifications to the beta zeolite structure through metal incorporation, creating specific active sites with enhanced catalytic properties that enable high yield in the absence of alkali, thus resolving the contradiction between process simplicity and 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
This method achieves a high yield of lactic acid up to 67.5% without the need for alkali, reducing environmental impact and simplifying the production process, making it suitable for large-scale industrial production.
Implementation Method 1
The preparation of catalyst is to remove the aluminum from the beta zeolites using nitric acid solution
Implementation Method 2
fix specific metal to the dealuminated beta zeolites by solid-state ion exchange
Implementation Method 3
The catalytic reaction is carried out in a closed teflon vessel in a stainless steel autoclave charged with biomass, catalysts and deionized water
Implementation Method 4
Lactic acid is obtained in solution by centrifugation
Data Source
AI summary
A method of transforming biomass into lactic acid using modified beta zeolites is disclosed. The one-step preparation process of preparing catalyst in the invention is mild, economical and convenient. The biomass used as precursor is economic and easy to get. Meanwhile, the reaction process doesn't need to be protected by noble gases with high pressure. The catalyst can be reused and the yield of lactic acid is high.