Pentasil Zeolite Surface Area Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current zeolites, such as ZSM-5, have limitations in catalytic performance for hydrocarbon conversion processes, particularly in achieving optimal reaction conditions for converting lower value hydrocarbon streams into higher value products.

Innovation Solution

A new family of pentasil-layered zeolites with a microporous crystalline structure, characterized by specific x-ray diffraction patterns and empirical compositions, is developed, incorporating alkali and alkaline earth metals, organoammonium cations, and optional elements like gallium or iron, which are synthesized using a Charge Density Mismatch Approach, resulting in enhanced catalytic properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of moving object

If conventional zeolites like ZSM-5 are used, then the catalytic structure is established, but the external surface area and catalytic performance are insufficient for optimal hydrocarbon conversion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexternal surface areaVSAvoidcatalytic performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a porous zeolite structure with controlled pore dimensions and high external surface area. The microporous crystalline framework provides both internal pore volume for catalytic reactions and enhanced external surface area for reactant access, directly resolving the contradiction between structural stability and catalytic performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes key parameters including silica-to-alumina ratio (20-100), cation composition (alkali and alkaline earth metals), and crystallite size (0.1-10 micrometers) to maximize external surface area while maintaining catalytic activity. These parameter adjustments enable improved hydrocarbon conversion performance compared to conventional zeolites.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If the silica-to-alumina ratio is increased to improve catalytic selectivity, then the structural stability improves, but the ion exchange capacity and accessibility to active sites may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidaccessibility to active sites
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates local variations in composition by incorporating different cations (alkali and alkaline earth metals) at specific sites within the zeolite structure. This allows regions with higher silica content for stability while maintaining aluminum-rich zones with exchangeable cations for accessibility and catalytic activity, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and site accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite zeolite structure combining high-silica framework regions for stability with aluminum-rich active sites containing exchangeable cations for accessibility. This composite approach at the molecular level enables simultaneous achievement of structural stability and ease of operation in hydrocarbon conversion processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 new zeolites exhibit improved external surface areas and catalytic performance, effectively converting lower value hydrocarbons into higher value products, with a mesopore surface area between 140 m2/g and 400 m2/g, and a silica-to-alumina ratio between 32 and 400, optimizing industrial catalytic applications.

Implementation Method 1

Zeolites can be used as catalysts for hydrocarbon conversion reactions, which can take place on outside surfaces as well as on internal surfaces within the pore

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 2

These species balance the framework charge associated with aluminum and can also serve as space fillers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIon exchange: Ion Exchange

Implementation Method 3

Synthetic zeolites are prepared via hydrothermal synthesis employing suitable sources of Si, Al and structure directing agents

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrothermal synthesis:

Data Source

PatentUS11040885B2High surface area pentasil zeolite and process for making same
Publication Date: 2021.06.22 UOP LLC

AI summary

A family of crystalline aluminosilicate zeolites has been synthesized that is a layered pentasil zeolite. These zeolites are represented by the empirical formula:Mmn+Rrp+Al1-xExSiyOz where M is an alkali, alkaline earth, or rare earth metal such as sodium or strontium, R can be a mixture of organoammonium cations and E is a framework element such as gallium, iron, boron, or indium. These zeolites are characterized by unique x-ray diffraction patterns and compositions and have catalytic properties for carrying out various hydrocarbon conversion processes.The diffraction patterns can be characterized by the following table:2Θd(Å)I/Io7.92-7.9911.04-11.31m8.79-8.88 9.94-11.09m20.28-20.564.31-4.35w23.10-23.183.83-3.84vs23.86-24.053.69-3.72m29.90-30.052.97-2.98w45.02-45.172.00-2.01w