Modified Zeolite Adsorbent for Sub-ppb Metal Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for purifying organic solvents, such as distillation, are complex and costly, and cannot efficiently remove metal impurities to the low levels required by industries like electronics processing.
Innovation Solution
A modified zeolite with hydrogen or ammonium functionalities, or a mixture of both, is used to adsorb metal impurities and other contaminants from organic solvents, achieving a metal impurity level of less than 1 ppb.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If distillation methods or multiple purification steps are used, then metal impurity removal capability is improved, but process complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs modified zeolite with controlled pore sizes (3-20 Å) to selectively adsorb metal impurities from organic solvents. The porous structure provides high surface area and selective adsorption capacity, enabling single-step purification to achieve metal impurity levels below 1 ppb, thereby resolving the contradiction between purification effectiveness and process complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite modified zeolite materials combining specific pore structures with metal-containing compounds (iron, copper, aluminum, titanium, or zirconium oxygen-containing compounds). This composite approach enhances the adsorption capacity and selectivity for metal impurities, achieving high-purity solvent in a single step without requiring multiple purification stages
2Manufacturing precision
If distillation methods or multiple purification steps are used, then metal impurity removal capability is improved, but purification cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modified zeolite porous material provides cost-effective single-step purification by adsorbing metal impurities to levels below 1 ppb. The material can be regenerated and reused, reducing operational costs compared to repeated distillation or multiple purification steps, thus resolving the contradiction between purification effectiveness and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable or regenerable adsorbent material that can be replaced or regenerated after use. This approach eliminates the need for expensive and energy-intensive distillation equipment and multiple purification systems, reducing overall purification costs while achieving the required metal impurity removal capability
3Device complexity
If single-step purification processes are used, then process simplicity is improved, but metal impurity removal capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The modified zeolite with optimized pore sizes (3-20 Å) achieves high metal impurity removal capability in a single step by selectively adsorbing metal ions from the solvent. The porous structure provides sufficient surface area and adsorption sites to meet strict electronics industry requirements without requiring multiple purification stages
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the zeolite parameters (pore size, chemical composition, metal-containing compound incorporation) to optimize its adsorption performance. By adjusting these parameters, the single-step process achieves metal impurity removal to below 1 ppb, resolving the contradiction between process simplicity and purification effectiveness
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 modified zeolite process effectively removes metal impurities and water from organic solvents, achieving a significant reduction in contaminant levels to below ppb or ppt levels, making the solvent suitable for high-purity applications.
Implementation Method 1
the zeolite contains an average pore size sufficient to adsorb metal impurities and other contaminants
Data Source
AI summary
A modified zeolite material used for removing metal impurities from an organic solvent composition; the modified zeolite material comprising (i) a hydrogen-based zeolite having hydrogen functionalities, (ii) an ammonium-based zeolite having ammonium functionalities, or (iii) a combination of a hydrogen-based zeolite having hydrogen functionalities and an ammonium-based zeolite having ammonium functionalities; the zeolite material containing a pore size of from 3 Å to 20 Å; and the zeolite material selectively removing metal impurities present in the solvent, to an impurity content of less than 1 ppb; a process for preparing the above modified zeolite material; and a process for removing contaminants from organic solvents using the above modified zeolite material.