Nano-Supported Titanium Catalyst for Polyester Synthesis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current titanium-based catalysts used in polyester synthesis face challenges such as hydrolysis instability, increased side reactions, and adverse effects on product hue and quality, particularly at high temperatures.

Innovation Solution

A nano-supported solid-phase titanium-based multi-metal catalyst is developed, comprising a silica-coated modified porous inorganic material as a carrier, with a main active component containing Ti—O—Si bonds and a secondary active component formed by precipitation of metal oxides and hydroxides, which inhibits hydrolysis and enhances catalytic activity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If titanium-based catalysts are used for polyester synthesis at high temperatures (275-295°C), then catalytic reaction efficiency is improved, but side reactions increase significantly causing product hue deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalytic reaction efficiencyVSAvoidside reactions and product hue deterioration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite catalyst system comprising titanium-based catalyst combined with zinc acetate and/or bismuth nitrate. This composite approach leverages the high catalytic activity of titanium while the zinc and bismuth components suppress side reactions and improve product hue, resolving the contradiction between reaction efficiency and product quality at high temperatures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes specific parameters including the molar ratio of titanium to zinc/bismuth (1:(0.1-1.0)), catalyst concentration (10-100 ppm), and temperature range (275-295°C). By precisely controlling these parameters, the catalyst achieves high efficiency while minimizing side reactions and hue deterioration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-generated harmful factors

If antimony-based catalysts are used for polyester synthesis, then side reactions are suppressed and product quality is maintained, but environmental pollution increases due to heavy metal dissolution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveside reaction levelVSAvoidenvironmental pollution from heavy metal dissolution
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces persistent heavy metal catalysts (antimony) with alternative metal-based catalysts (titanium combined with zinc and/or bismuth) that achieve similar catalytic performance but with reduced environmental persistence and pollution. The zinc acetate and bismuth nitrate components provide the necessary catalytic function without the severe environmental issues of antimony.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters from antimony-based to titanium-zinc-bismuth-based catalyst system, maintaining the low side reaction characteristic while eliminating the heavy metal pollution problem through selective substitution of catalyst components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If liquid-phase titanium-based catalysts are used, then catalyst hydrolysis is reduced, but catalyst acidity causes viscosity drop and pipeline clogging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalyst hydrolysis resistanceVSAvoidviscosity drop and pipeline clogging
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state parameter of the catalyst from liquid-phase to solid-phase nanoparticles. This phase change reduces the acidity-related harmful effects (viscosity drop and clogging) while maintaining hydrolysis resistance through the nanoparticle formulation and surface modification with zinc acetate and/or bismuth nitrate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 catalyst effectively inhibits hydrolysis, reduces side reactions, and improves the hue and quality of polyester products, while also offering better thermal stability and reduced viscosity drop compared to traditional antimony-based catalysts.

Implementation Method 1

reacting a titanium source with an acid to obtain a reaction mixture

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

reacting the catalyst precursor with a silicate and water so that the carrier is loaded with the main active component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Implementation Method 3

titanium-based catalysts are widely used for their high efficiency in catalyzing esterification and polymerization reactions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Data Source

PatentUS12303879B1Nano-supported solid-phase titanium-based multi-metal catalyst, preparation method therefor and use thereof
Publication Date: 2025.05.20 JIANGSU GUOWANG HIGH TECH FIBER CO LTD

AI summary

A nano-supported solid-phase titanium-based multi-metal catalyst, a preparation method therefor and use thereof are provided. The catalyst comprises a carrier and an active component, the active component comprises a main active component and a secondary active component. The preparation method comprises the following steps: precipitating reaction a suspension of the carrier, a water-soluble scandium/magnesium/cobalt/zinc salt and a water-soluble hydroxide, filtering and heating treatment so that the carrier is loaded with the secondary active component; reacting a titanium source with an acid to obtain a reaction mixture; reacting the suspension of the carrier loaded with the secondary active component with the reaction mixture to obtain a catalyst precursor; and reacting the catalyst precursor with a silicate and water so that the carrier is loaded with the main active component. When used for polyester synthesis, the catalyst can inhibit the hydrolysis of titanium, significantly improve polymerization activity, inhibit the occurrence of side reactions.