Ni Catalyst Oligomerization Selectivity via TiO2 Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Nickel-based heterogeneous catalysts for olefin oligomerization produce lower selectivity for linear products and higher amounts of unwanted branched oligomers due to the presence of titanium dioxide and zirconium dioxide, which reduces catalytic activity and conversion.

Innovation Solution

An oligomerization catalyst comprising nickel oxide, an amorphous silica-alumina support material, and an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal oxide, without titanium dioxide and zirconium dioxide, with a specific composition and structure that enhances selectivity for linear products while maintaining conversion levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If titanium dioxide and zirconium dioxide are added to nickel-based catalyst, then catalytic activity is enhanced, but selectivity for linear products decreases and formation of branched oligomers increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalytic activityVSAvoidselectivity for linear products
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes titanium dioxide and zirconium dioxide from the catalyst composition to eliminate their harmful effect of promoting branched oligomer formation. This extraction of problematic components resolves the contradiction by sacrificing some catalytic activity (which can be compensated by nickel content optimization) to achieve high selectivity for linear products.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by eliminating TiO2 and ZrO2 and instead optimizing the nickel oxide content (10-70 wt%) and using silica-alumina support with specific surface area (150-400 m2/g). This parameter change achieves both high catalytic activity and high selectivity for linear oligomers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If titanium dioxide and zirconium dioxide are added to nickel-based catalyst, then catalytic activity is enhanced, but service life and mechanical strength are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalytic activityVSAvoidservice life
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts/removes titanium dioxide and zirconium dioxide from the catalyst system, which were causing reduced service life and mechanical strength. This elimination resolves the contradiction by removing the harmful components while maintaining or improving catalyst stability through optimized nickel oxide content and silica-alumina support structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite material system consisting of nickel oxide (10-70 wt%) on silica-alumina support with specific surface area characteristics. This composite provides both high catalytic activity and improved mechanical strength and service life compared to catalysts containing TiO2 and ZrO2.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Productivity

If titanium dioxide and zirconium dioxide are added to nickel-based catalyst, then catalytic activity is enhanced, but formation of unwanted oligomerization products increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalytic activityVSAvoidformation of branched oligomers
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of TiO2 and ZrO2 (promoting unwanted branched oligomer formation) into a benefit by completely removing these components. The absence of these materials now works in favor of producing highly selective linear oligomers, transforming the situation from harmful to beneficial.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the compositional parameters by eliminating TiO2 and ZrO2 and optimizing nickel oxide content (10-70 wt%) on silica-alumina support. This parameter change fundamentally alters the product distribution, eliminating unwanted branched oligomers while maintaining high catalytic activity for linear oligomer formation.

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 achieves higher selectivity for linear products without reducing conversion, improving the mechanical properties and service life of the catalyst, and reducing the formation of unwanted branched oligomers.

Implementation Method 1

an oligomerization catalyst which comprises nickel oxide, an amorphous silica-alumina support material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Data Source

PatentUS10882028B2Ni-containing catalyst for the oligomerization of olefins
Publication Date: 2021.01.05 EVONIK OXENO GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

The present invention relates to an oligomerization catalyst for oligomerization of low-molecular-weight olefins, to the use of said catalyst and to a process for oligomerization of low-molecular-weight olefins using the oligomerization catalyst according to the invention.