Tin-Titanium Catalyst Precursor for CO2 Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for converting carbon dioxide into dialkyl carbonate are inefficient, requiring novel catalyst systems that can effectively catalyze the reaction while maintaining stability and activity under varying conditions.
Innovation Solution
A catalyst precursor formed by reacting Sn(R1)2(L)2 and Ti(OR2)4 with specific molar ratios, activated using alcohol, is used to convert carbon dioxide into dialkyl carbonate, with optimized reaction conditions including temperature and pressure to enhance yield and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional catalyst systems are used for converting CO2 to dialkyl carbonate, then the reaction can proceed, but the conversion efficiency is low and catalyst stability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite catalyst system comprising multiple metal components (e.g., In, Ga, Zn, or their oxides/hydroxides) combined with specific ligands or supports. This composite structure synergistically enhances both the conversion efficiency of CO2 to dialkyl carbonate and the stability/reusability of the catalyst, resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes reaction parameters including temperature (80-160°C), pressure (1-50 atm CO2), and catalyst-to-alcohol molar ratios to maximize conversion efficiency while maintaining catalyst stability. By carefully controlling these parameters, the system achieves high productivity without sacrificing catalyst reliability.
2Productivity
If conventional catalysts are used, then the reaction can occur, but the catalyst activity decreases rapidly over time
Solution Approach 1:
The composite catalyst system with multiple metal components and stabilized ligand structures maintains high catalytic activity over extended periods. The synergistic interaction between components prevents rapid deactivation, enabling the catalyst to sustain reaction rates throughout prolonged operation and multiple reuse cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent develops catalysts that can be easily regenerated or replaced at low cost, effectively creating a sustainable catalytic system. The optimized catalyst formulation allows for cost-effective regeneration processes, maintaining economic viability even with repeated use and activity restoration.
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 proposed method achieves efficient conversion of carbon dioxide to dialkyl carbonate with improved catalyst stability and activity, allowing for repeated use and high yields of products like dibutyl carbonate, addressing the inefficiencies of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
The above synthesis is catalyzed by a catalyst to directly react to form the dialkyl carbonate
Data Source
AI summary
A method of forming dialkyl carbonate is provided, which includes introducing carbon dioxide into a catalyst to form dialkyl carbonate, wherein the catalyst is formed by activating a catalyst precursor using alcohol, wherein alcohol is R3—OH, and R3 is C1-12 alkyl group or C5-12 aryl or heteroaryl group. The catalyst precursor is formed by reacting Sn(R1)2(L)2 and Ti(OR2)4, and Sn(R1)2(L)2 and Ti(OR2)4 have a molar ratio of 1:2 to 2:1. R1 is C1-10 alkyl group, R2 is H or C1-12 alkyl group, and L is O—(C═O)—R5, and R5 is C1-12 alkyl group. The dialkyl carbonate is