Supported Chromium Photocatalysis for Milder Methane-to-Methanol Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for converting methane into methanol often require harsh reaction conditions or halogens, making them undesirable.
Innovation Solution
A process utilizing a supported chromium catalyst in a hexavalent oxidation state, combined with UV-visible light irradiation in an oxidizing atmosphere, to convert methane into methanol, followed by calcining to regenerate the catalyst.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional synthesis techniques are used to convert methane into methanol, then methanol can be prepared, but harsh reaction conditions or halogens are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the oxidation state parameter of chromium to hexavalent (Cr(VI)) and uses UV-visible light irradiation to activate the catalyst, enabling methanol synthesis from methane under milder conditions without requiring harsh chemicals or extreme temperatures and pressures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional thermal or catalytic mechanisms with photochemical activation using UV-visible light irradiation on a supported chromium catalyst, substituting traditional harsh chemical methods with a light-driven catalytic process
2Productivity
If a supported chromium catalyst in hexavalent oxidation state is used with UV-visible light irradiation, then high yields of methanol are achieved, but catalyst regeneration through calcining is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements catalyst regeneration by calcining the used supported chromium catalyst to restore its hexavalent oxidation state, allowing the catalyst to be reused for additional methanol synthesis cycles, thus recovering and reusing the catalyst material
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous methanol production by cycling the chromium catalyst between hexavalent and reduced states, with calcination regenerating the active hexavalent form, allowing the catalytic process to continue over multiple cycles without permanent deactivation
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
Achieves high yields of methanol with minimal harsh conditions, allowing for efficient conversion of methane into methanol using a supported chromium catalyst under UV-visible light irradiation.
Implementation Method 1
contacting methane, water, and a supported chromium catalyst comprising chromium in a hexavalent oxidation state with a light beam at a wavelength in the UV-visible spectrum
Implementation Method 2
contacting methane, water, and a supported chromium catalyst comprising chromium in a hexavalent oxidation state with a light beam at a wavelength in the UV-visible spectrum in an oxidizing atmosphere
Implementation Method 3
calcining (or activating) the supported chromium catalyst to regenerate at least a portion of the supported chromium catalyst
Data Source
AI summary
Processes for converting methane into methanol are disclosed in which methane, water, and a supported chromium (VI) catalyst are contacted with a light beam at a wavelength in the UV-visible spectrum in an oxidizing atmosphere in a single reactor to form a reaction product comprising methanol, followed by discharging a reactor effluent containing the reaction product from the single reactor, and then separating methanol from the reaction product. Processes to produce methanol using additional reactors also are described, as well as related methanol production systems.