Nanoparticle Catalysts for Cyclohexanol Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for converting cyclohexanol to cyclohexanone, such as hydrogenation of phenol or oxidation of cyclohexane, produce byproducts and require improvements in efficiency and selectivity.

Innovation Solution

A microporous copper chloropyrophosphate (CuClP) framework with noble metal nanoparticles, specifically platinum, palladium, or gold, is used as a catalyst to convert cyclohexanol to cyclohexanone, with activation temperatures and environments optimizing nanoparticle formation for enhanced catalytic performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional methods (hydrogenation of phenol or oxidation of cyclohexane) are used to produce cyclohexanone, then cyclohexanone can be produced, but byproducts are formed and efficiency and selectivity require improvement

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveselectivityVSAvoidbyproduct formation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a microporous copper chloropyrophosphate (CuClP) framework material with controlled pore sizes and structures. The microporous structure provides shape-selective catalysis, allowing only desired reaction pathways to proceed while blocking pathways that lead to byproducts, thereby improving selectivity and reducing unwanted substance formation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The catalyst is a composite material combining copper chloropyrophosphate framework with noble metal nanoparticles (platinum, palladium, or gold). This composite structure synergistically combines the framework's selective catalytic properties with the noble metals' high catalytic activity, achieving both high selectivity for cyclohexanone and high conversion efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If noble metal nanoparticles are incorporated into the CuClP framework, then catalytic activity and selectivity improve, but catalyst complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalytic activityVSAvoidcatalyst structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The noble metal nanoparticles are not distributed uniformly throughout the catalyst but are specifically localized within the microporous CuClP framework at sites where they provide maximum catalytic benefit. This local concentration of active species enhances catalytic activity while maintaining a relatively simple overall catalyst structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The noble metal nanoparticles are nested within the microporous CuClP framework structure. The framework acts as a host matrix that contains and stabilizes the noble metal nanoparticles, creating a hierarchical nested structure where the simpler framework encloses the more complex nanoparticle catalysts, thereby managing complexity while enhancing functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 achieves high conversion and selectivity for cyclohexanone production, maintaining structural integrity and catalytic activity over extended periods, with platinum catalysts showing superior performance in aerobic oxidation reactions.

Implementation Method 1

A microporous copper chloropyrophosphate (CuClP) framework with noble metal nanoparticles, specifically platinum, palladium, or gold, is used as a catalyst to convert cyclohexanol to cyclohexanone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 2

platinum catalysts showing superior performance in aerobic oxidation reactions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 3

activating the catalyst by heating the catalyst precursor at a temperature of at least 150 °C to convert the precursor complexes to noble metal nanoparticle sites

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 4

heating the catalyst precursor at a temperature of at least 150 °C to convert the precursor complexes to noble metal nanoparticle sites

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal decomposition: Pyrolysis

Data Source

PatentEP3356319B1Nanoparticle catalysts for conversion of cyclohexanol to cyclohexanone
Publication Date: 2020.06.24 ADVANSIX RESINS & CHEMICALS LLC
  • EP3356319B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3356319B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~3
  • EP3356319B1 patent drawingFigure 4A

AI summary

Methods for converting an alcohol, such as cyclohexanol to a ketone, such as cyclohexanone, include reacting the alcohol in the presence of a catalyst and oxygen to produce the ketone. In one exemplary embodiment, the catalyst comprises a microporous copper chloropyrophosphate framework including a plurality of noble metal nanoparticles. In one exemplary embodiment, the noble metal nanoparticles include at least one metal selected from the group consisting of platinum, palladium, and gold.