SSZ-96 Molecular Sieve Selectivity via Structure-Directing Agent

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a continuous need for new crystalline molecular sieves with unique sieving characteristics and catalytic properties for applications such as gas separation, hydrocarbon conversion, and chemical conversions, as existing molecular sieves do not offer enhanced selectivities in these processes.

Innovation Solution

The development of crystalline molecular sieve SSZ-96, prepared using a 1-butyl-1-methyl-octahydroindolium cation as a structure directing agent, with specific mole ratios of tetravalent and trivalent element oxides, and crystallization under controlled conditions to achieve unique X-ray diffraction patterns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing molecular sieves are used, then current catalytic and separation functions are provided, but enhanced selectivities for gas separation and hydrocarbon conversion are not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveselectivityVSAvoidapplication range
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the molecular sieve by incorporating specific ratios of tetravalent elements (Si, Ge, Ti, Zr) and trivalent elements (Al, Ga, In, Fe), along with using a specific organic structure-directing agent (1-butyl-1-methyl-octahydroindolium cation). This compositional parameter change results in a new crystal structure with enhanced selectivity for gas separation and hydrocarbon conversion applications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite molecular sieve structure by combining multiple element oxides (tetravalent and trivalent) in specific ratios within a single crystal framework. The composite nature of the material, incorporating elements from different groups of the periodic table, provides unique pore architecture and surface properties that enhance both selectivity and versatility for multiple applications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If new molecular sieve structures are developed, then enhanced selectivities are achieved, but the complexity of synthesis and characterization increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveselectivityVSAvoidsynthesis complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an organic structure-directing agent (1-butyl-1-methyl-octahydroindolium cation) as an intermediary during the hydrothermal synthesis process. This intermediary molecule templates the formation of the desired crystal structure, guiding the assembly of inorganic building units into the target molecular sieve structure with enhanced selectivity, thereby simplifying the synthesis pathway to a single hydrothermal step

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

SSZ-96 exhibits enhanced selectivities and properties for gas separation and hydrocarbon conversions, offering improved performance in catalytic reactions and separation processes.

Implementation Method 1

contacting under crystallization conditions (1) at least one source of an oxide of at least one tetravalent element; (2) optionally, one or more sources of one or more oxides selected from the group consisting of oxides of trivalent elements, pentavalent elements, and mixtures thereof; (3) at least one source of an element selected from Groups 1 and 2 of the Periodic Table; (4) hydroxide ions; and (5) a 1-butyl-1-methyl-octahydroindolium cation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCrystallization: Crystallisation

Implementation Method 2

Because of their unique sieving characteristics, as well as their catalytic properties, crystalline molecular sieves and zeolites are especially useful in applications such as hydrocarbon conversion, gas drying and separation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMolecular sieving: Molecular Sieve

Data Source

PatentUS9056311B2Method for making molecular sieve SSZ-96
Publication Date: 2015.06.16 CHEVRON USA INC
  • US9056311B2 patent drawing
  • US9056311B2 patent drawing
  • US9056311B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for making a new crystalline molecular sieve designated SSZ-96 is disclosed using a 1-butyl-1-methyl-octahydroindolium cation as a structure directing agent.