Sepiolite Catalyst for Lignin Depolymerization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The synthesis of 2-ethoxyphenol is challenging due to difficult control of organic synthesis methods, demanding operating conditions, and expensive process routes, necessitating a more efficient and environmentally friendly method for production.
Innovation Solution
A catalyst comprising sepiolite as a carrier with tungsten, nickel, and molybdenum as active components, supported in a specific weight percentage ratio, is used for catalytic depolymerization of lignin, employing a stepwise impregnation method and hydrothermal aging treatment to enhance stability and activity, with reaction conditions optimized for high selectivity and yield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If organic synthesis methods are used to synthesize 2-ethoxyphenol, then the product can be obtained, but the synthesis process has difficult control, demanding operating conditions, and expensive process routes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the synthesis approach by using catalytic depolymerization of lignin instead of traditional organic synthesis methods. This involves changing the reaction type, catalyst system, and process conditions to achieve easier control and less demanding operating conditions while maintaining product quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a catalyst system that can be used under milder conditions and potentially replaced or regenerated more easily than traditional synthesis systems, reducing the complexity of maintaining demanding operating conditions throughout the process
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional synthesis methods are used for 2-ethoxyphenol, then the product can be produced, but the process is expensive and environmentally unfriendly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the raw material parameter from conventional chemical precursors to lignin, a abundant and inexpensive biomass resource. This fundamental parameter change in feedstock selection directly reduces raw material costs and improves environmental sustainability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts lignin, which is often considered a waste product or low-value byproduct in biomass processing, into a valuable chemical feedstock for 2-ethoxyphenol production. This transforms a potentially harmful waste disposal issue into a beneficial resource utilization opportunity
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple metal components are loaded simultaneously on sepiolite carrier, then the catalyst can be prepared, but the metal precursor salts interact and cause low catalytic activity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the catalyst preparation process into sequential steps, loading different metal components at different stages rather than simultaneously. This temporal segmentation prevents harmful interactions between metal precursor salts while ensuring all active components are properly incorporated into the catalyst structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary loading of certain metal components before others, allowing the first-loaded metals to establish a stable framework or surface environment that prevents adverse interactions with subsequently loaded metals. This preliminary action ensures optimal distribution and interaction of metal species
4Productivity
If the total content of active components is increased to provide enough catalytic sites, then catalytic activity improves, but the active components cover the sepiolite carrier and reduce effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates local concentrations of active metal components at specific sites on the sepiolite carrier rather than uniform distribution. This ensures high catalytic activity at active sites while leaving other areas of the carrier surface exposed and accessible for reactant interaction
Solution Approach 2:
The sepiolite carrier acts as an intermediary that supports and distributes the active metal components. By properly controlling the loading and distribution of metals on this intermediary surface, the system achieves sufficient catalytic sites without excessive coverage that would block reactant access
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 a lignin conversion rate of over 95% and 2-ethoxyphenol selectivity of more than 20% in a liquid product, with the process being environmentally friendly, recyclable, and economically viable, avoiding pollution and resource waste.
Implementation Method 1
a catalyst for preparing 2-ethoxyphenol by catalytic depolymerization of lignin comprising sepiolite as a carrier and tungsten, nickel and molybdenum as active components supported on sepiolite
Implementation Method 2
loading tungsten, nickel and molybdenum on sepiolite by a stepwise impregnation method
Implementation Method 3
a hydrothermal assistant aging treatment is used in the impregnation treatment process. The hydrothermal assistant aging treatment is an airtight and constant-temperature treatment in a high-pressure hydrothermal synthesis kettle, and the treatment is carried out under conditions of N2 atmosphere, 80 to 180° C., and 12 to 24 hours
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses a catalyst and a method for preparing 2-ethoxyphenol by catalytic depolymerization of lignin. The catalyst comprises sepiolite as a carrier and tungsten, nickel and molybdenum as active components supported on sepiolite. The catalyst for preparing 2-ethoxyphenol by catalytic depolymerization of lignin in the present disclosure can catalytically depolymerize lignin, realize the directional preparation of 2-ethoxyphenol from lignin, and co-produce lignin oil. It has a comparatively high selectivity for 2-ethoxyphenol and can achieve a lignin conversion rate of more than 95%, a 2-ethoxyphenol selectivity of more than 20% in a liquid product, and a yield of more than 100 mg/g of lignin.