Polyether Amine Catalyst Preparation Using Basic Carbonate Precursors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for synthesizing polyether amine catalysts are environmentally polluting, costly, and result in catalysts with short service life and low activity due to toxic nitrate roasting processes and inadequate metal adsorption.
Innovation Solution
A method using γ-Al2O3 as a carrier with twice adsorption and roasting, and reduction in a hydrogen atmosphere, employing basic cupric, nickel, and cobalt carbonates, to create a supported metal catalyst with enhanced adsorption and stability, reducing waste gas treatment costs and improving catalyst longevity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If nitrate roasting process is used to prepare catalyst, then catalyst can be obtained, but toxic waste gas is generated causing environmental pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameter of the roasting process by replacing nitrate-based precursors with carbonate-based precursors. This substitution fundamentally alters the decomposition reaction: carbonates decompose to produce CO2 and H2O instead of nitrogen oxides, thereby eliminating toxic waste gas while maintaining the catalyst preparation functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts a potentially harmful process (roasting that generates toxic gases) into a beneficial one by selecting carbonate precursors that decompose into harmless substances (CO2 and H2O). The roasting step, which was previously a source of pollution, becomes an environmentally friendly process that still achieves the desired catalyst formation
2Device complexity
If once adsorption and roasting is performed, then process is simple, but metal adsorption is inadequate resulting in low catalyst activity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the catalyst preparation process into two distinct adsorption-roasting cycles instead of one. The first cycle uses ammonia solution to form metal carbonates, and the second cycle uses urea solution to further adsorb and convert metals. This segmentation allows each cycle to contribute differently to metal loading, achieving superior total adsorption效果 while maintaining process simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The first adsorption-roasting cycle serves as a preliminary action that prepares the carrier surface and establishes initial metal distribution. This preliminary metal carbonate formation creates a foundation for the second urea-based adsorption cycle to build upon, ensuring cumulative and adequate metal loading that enhances catalyst activity
3Productivity
If conventional catalysts are used, then production can proceed, but service life is short and activity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite catalyst structure by loading multiple metal elements (Ni, Co, Cu) onto an alumina carrier through sequential adsorption. This composite material approach allows synergistic interactions between different metals and the carrier surface, enhancing both catalytic activity and stability. The multi-metal composite provides more active sites and improved resistance to deactivation, extending service life
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating non-uniform metal distribution through sequential adsorption. Different metals are preferentially deposited in different regions or at different concentrations on the carrier surface, creating localized active sites with optimized properties. This heterogeneous distribution enhances overall catalyst performance and durability by providing multiple functional zones
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 method produces a polyether amine catalyst with high activity, selectivity, and extended service life, achieving high conversion rates and primary amine selectivity while minimizing environmental impact and production costs.
Implementation Method 1
by means of twice adsorption and roasting, more balanced adsorption of metal can be achieved
Implementation Method 2
the intermediate carrier obtained in S2 is put into a muffle furnace for temperature programming, and roasting is performed at a set temperature
Implementation Method 3
at a certain temperature and a hydrogen atmosphere in a reduction furnace, rotary reduction is performed
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for preparing a polyether amine catalyst, and polyether amine. A polyether amine catalyst is a supported metal catalyst; γ-Al2O3 is used as a carrier; basic cupric carbonate, basic nickel carbonate and basic cobalt carbonate are used as precursors of supported metals; and the polyether amine catalyst is prepared by performing twice adsorption roasting and once reduction by means of an equivalent-volumetric impregnation method. Easier decomposition is achieved by using basic carbonate, and only water and carbon dioxide are generated, such that processes and costs for treating waste gases can be saved. By using the polyether amine catalyst to prepare polyether amine, a conversion rate and primary amine selectivity can be improved, and the color of products can be reduced. Therefore, the obtained polyether amine can have higher activity and wider application.