Semi-Eggshell Nickel Catalyst for Selective Hydrogenation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nickel-based catalysts for selective hydrogenation of polyunsaturated compounds require higher nickel content and uniform distribution to achieve optimal activity and selectivity, which can lead to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A supported nickel catalyst with a specific hydrothermal treatment and organic additive process, resulting in a 'semi-eggshell' distribution of nickel on an alumina support, enhancing accessibility and selectivity with lower nickel usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If nickel is distributed homogeneously within the support to achieve optimal activity, then catalytic activity is improved, but nickel content must be increased which raises costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a non-uniform nickel distribution with higher concentration at the periphery (crust) and lower concentration in the core. This semi-eggshell distribution pattern places nickel strategically where it is most needed for catalytic activity while reducing overall nickel content, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining high catalytic activity and reducing costly nickel usage.
2Reliability
If nickel content is increased to improve activity and selectivity, then catalytic performance is enhanced, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses local quality to concentrate nickel in the peripheral region where catalytic reactions occur, achieving high catalytic performance with reduced overall nickel loading. This strategic localization maintains selectivity and activity while lowering material costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by controlling the hydrothermal treatment conditions (temperature, time, atmosphere) to achieve the desired semi-eggshell distribution. By optimizing these parameters, the invention achieves cost-effective nickel utilization without sacrificing catalytic performance.
3Reliability
If nickel is deposited in a crust at the periphery to improve selectivity, then selectivity is enhanced, but nickel distribution becomes non-uniform which may affect activity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately creates local quality variations with higher nickel concentration at the periphery to enhance selectivity for selective hydrogenation reactions. The controlled non-uniform distribution pattern (semi-eggshell) is designed to place nickel where it provides maximum selectivity benefit while maintaining sufficient activity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from uniform three-dimensional nickel distribution to a radially varied distribution pattern. By controlling nickel concentration as a function of radial position from the core to the periphery, the patent achieves enhanced selectivity while maintaining a predictable and stable compositional gradient.
4Ease of operation
If hydrothermal treatment is applied to achieve semi-eggshell distribution, then nickel accessibility is improved, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes in the hydrothermal treatment process (temperature, time, pH, atmosphere) to achieve the desired semi-eggshell nickel distribution and enhance nickel accessibility. By optimizing these parameters, the invention achieves improved catalyst performance through a relatively simple one-step treatment process.
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 improved activity and selectivity in selective hydrogenation reactions with a lower nickel content, reducing costs and increasing efficiency by optimizing nickel distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a supported nickel catalyst with a specific hydrothermal treatment and organic additive process, resulting in a 'semi-eggshell' distribution of nickel on an alumina support
Implementation Method 2
A supported nickel catalyst with a specific hydrothermal treatment and organic additive process, resulting in a 'semi-eggshell' distribution of nickel
Implementation Method 3
Selective hydrogenation is the main treatment developed to specifically remove undesirable polyunsaturated compounds from these hydrocarbon feedstocks. It makes possible the conversion of polyunsaturated compounds to the corresponding alkenes or aromatics
Implementation Method 4
This consists of the addition of a step that makes it possible to irreversibly poison, by the sulfur-containing compound, the most virulent active sites of the nickel which exist on the new catalyst and thus in weakening the activity of the catalyst in favor of its selectivity
Data Source
AI summary
Catalyst comprising nickel and sulfur on an alumina support, said catalyst being characterized in that:the nickel is distributed both on a crust at the periphery of the support, and in the core of the support, the thickness of said crust being between 2% and 15% of the diameter of the catalyst;the nickel density ratio between the crust and the core is strictly greater than 3;said crust comprises more than 25% by weight of nickel element relative to the total weight of nickel contained in the catalyst,the size of the nickel particles in the catalyst, measured in oxide form, is between 7 and 25 nm.