PtRuPd Ternary Catalyst for Dimethyl Ether Oxidation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The electrooxidation of dimethyl ether using bimetallic platinum-ruthenium alloys is kinetically handicapped compared to methanol oxidation, primarily due to a higher activation barrier for C—O bond cleavage during the oxidation process.
Innovation Solution
A ternary catalyst composition comprising platinum (Pt), ruthenium (Ru), and palladium (Pd) supported on carbon, specifically Pt60Ru15Pd25, is used for the catalytic oxidation of dimethyl ether, facilitating C—O bond cleavage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bimetallic platinum-ruthenium alloys are used for dimethyl ether oxidation, then the catalyst can mitigate the poisonous effect of adsorbed CO, but the electrooxidation is kinetically handicapped compared to methanol oxidation due to higher activation barrier for C—O bond cleavage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a ternary alloy catalyst comprising platinum, ruthenium, and palladium (Pt60Ru15Pd25) supported on carbon. This composite material combines the CO mitigation capability of Pt-Ru alloys with the C—O bond cleavage catalysis of palladium, resolving the contradiction between reliability and productivity. The specific composition and support structure are optimized to achieve both functions simultaneously.
2Productivity
If palladium is added to the platinum-ruthenium alloy, then C—O bond cleavage is facilitated, but the catalyst composition becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the compositional parameters of the ternary alloy, specifically using Pt60Ru15Pd25, to achieve the desired balance between activity and complexity. By carefully controlling the metal ratios and support characteristics, the catalyst achieves enhanced C—O bond cleavage activity while maintaining manageable compositional complexity for synthesis and application.
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 ternary catalyst composition demonstrates higher specific activity and lower onset potential for dimethyl ether oxidation compared to state-of-the-art methanol oxidation catalysts, indicating improved kinetics and efficiency in C—O bond cleavage.
Implementation Method 1
a catalyst for oxidizing dimethyl ether, said catalyst comprising Pt60Ru15Pd25 supported on carbon
Implementation Method 2
the electrooxidation of DME using the above bimetallic alloys of platinum and ruthenium as electrocatalysts
Data Source
AI summary
A composition for oxidizing dimethyl ether includes an alloy supported on carbon, the alloy being of platinum, ruthenium, and palladium. A process for oxidizing dimethyl ether involves exposing dimethyl ether to a carbon-supported alloy of platinum, ruthenium, and palladium under conditions sufficient to electrochemically oxidize the dimethyl ether.