Sn-Nb-Ti Mixed Oxide Catalyst for Biomass Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current catalysts for converting biomass-derived oxygenated organic compounds into hydrocarbons and aromatic compounds are inefficient due to instability under high temperature and pressure conditions, and require multiple steps, limiting their effectiveness in producing valuable fuel precursors.
Innovation Solution
A catalytic method using a catalyst composed of Sn, Nb, and/or Ti, primarily in the form of mixed metal oxides with a rutile crystalline phase of SnO2, which is calcined and used to react with aqueous mixtures of oxygenated organic compounds at temperatures between 100 and 350°C under pressures from 1 to 80 bar, facilitating efficient condensation reactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Ce-Zr based catalysts are used for converting oxygenated organic compounds, then catalytic activity is achieved, but catalyst stability under high temperature and pressure conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the catalyst from Ce-Zr based to Sn-Nb-Ti based mixed oxides. This parameter change in catalyst composition resolves the contradiction by providing both high stability under reaction conditions and maintained catalytic activity for converting oxygenated organic compounds to hydrocarbons
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite mixed oxide materials combining Sn, Nb, and Ti elements in specific ratios. This composite approach creates a synergistic effect where the combination of different metal oxides provides both the required catalyst stability under high temperature and pressure and the catalytic efficiency for the conversion reaction
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple treatment steps are used for converting oxygenated organic compounds, then conversion completeness is improved, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple conversion steps into a single catalytic reaction step using the Sn-Nb-Ti mixed oxide catalyst. This combining of steps achieves complete conversion of oxygenated organic compounds while reducing the overall process complexity from multiple treatment stages to one integrated catalytic process
Solution Approach 2:
The Sn-Nb-Ti mixed oxide catalyst performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a dehydration catalyst, a condensation catalyst, and a stabilization catalyst for the reaction products. This multi-functionality in a single catalyst system achieves complete conversion while simplifying the process by eliminating the need for separate treatment steps
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 higher yields of C5-C8 hydrocarbons and aromatic compounds with improved stability and efficiency compared to existing Ce-Zr based catalysts, requiring lower temperatures and producing valuable fuel precursors in fewer steps.
Implementation Method 1
A catalytic method using a catalyst composed of Sn, Nb, and/or Ti, primarily in the form of mixed metal oxides with a rutile crystalline phase of SnO2, which is calcined and used to react with aqueous mixtures of oxygenated organic compounds at temperatures between 100 and 350°C under pressures from 1 to 80 bar, facilitating efficient condensation reactions
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for producing mixtures of hydrocarbons and aromatic compounds, for use as fuel components (preferably in the range C5-C16), by means of catalytic conversion of the oxygenated organic compounds contained in aqueous fractions derived from biomass treatments, wherein said method can comprise at least the following steps: (i) bringing the aqueous mixture containing the oxygenated organic compounds derived from biomass in contact with a catalyst comprising at least Sn and Nb, Sn and Ti, and combinations of Sn, Ti and Nb; (ii) reacting the mixture with the catalyst in a catalytic reactor at temperatures between 100 and 350° C. and under pressures from 1 to 80 bar in the absence of hydrogen; and (iii) recovering the products obtained by means of the liquid/liquid separation of the aqueous and organic phases.