TiO2-Al2O3 Oxide Mixture Solid Solution via Controlled Precipitation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for producing TiO2-Al2O3 mixtures fail to achieve a solid solution of Al2O3 and TiO2, leading to inadequate acidity and pore structure for catalytic applications, and rely on expensive organic compounds.

Innovation Solution

A process involving slow precipitation of hydrated preforms of TiO2 and Al2O3 from aqueous solutions without organic or organometallic compounds, adjusting the pH slowly to form a catalytically active oxide mixture with a solid solution of Al2O3 and TiO2, achieving uniform pore sizes and adjustable acidity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional methods are used to produce TiO2-Al2O3 mixtures, then the production process is simpler, but a solid solution of Al2O3 and TiO2 cannot be achieved, leading to inadequate acidity and pore structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesolid solution formationVSAvoidproduction process
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by controlling pH slowly from 2 to 7 during precipitation, maintaining specific temperature ranges (20-80°C), and regulating precipitation rates (30-1 g/L/h) to achieve solid solution formation. These precise parameter controls enable Al2O3 and TiO2 to form a solid solution with uniform pore sizes (2-50 nm) and optimal acidity, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and process complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs preliminary action by first preparing separate aqueous solutions of titanium salts and aluminum salts with controlled concentrations and pH values before mixing. The slow addition of alkaline solution to adjust pH from 2 to 7 is performed as a preliminary controlled step, ensuring uniform nucleation and growth of the solid solution structure before complete precipitation occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If expensive organic compounds are used in the production process, then pore structure can be controlled, but production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepore structureVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive organic pore-forming compounds with inexpensive inorganic aqueous solutions and simple alkaline agents (such as NaOH or NH3). The precipitation process uses readily available titanium salts (e.g., TiOSO4, TiCl4) and aluminum salts (e.g., AlCl3, Al(NO3)3) in aqueous medium, eliminating the need for costly organic templates while achieving uniform mesoporous structures through controlled pH adjustment and precipitation kinetics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes hydraulic principles by conducting the entire precipitation process in aqueous solutions, using water as the primary solvent and transport medium. The slow addition of alkaline aqueous solutions creates controlled hydrodynamic conditions that facilitate uniform mixing and nucleation, achieving precise pore structure control through fluid dynamics rather than organic templates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Productivity

If pH is adjusted rapidly during precipitation, then the process is faster, but uniform pore sizes and solid solution structure are not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecipitation speedVSAvoidpore size uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by implementing a staged pH adjustment process where the pH is increased slowly and progressively from 2 to 7 during precipitation. This gradual, periodic change in pH conditions allows controlled nucleation and growth phases, ensuring uniform pore size formation (2-50 nm) and solid solution structure while maintaining acceptable precipitation rates through optimized addition speeds of alkaline solutions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 process produces a catalytically active oxide mixture with a solid solution of Al2O3 and TiO2, providing optimal acidity and pore structure for catalytic applications, eliminating the need for expensive organic compounds and enhancing thermal stability.

Implementation Method 1

hydrated preforms of TiO2 and Al2O3 are precipitated from aqueous Ti- and Al-containing solutions without using organic or organometallic compounds, the pH slowly being increased to 4 to 8

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPrecipitation: Precipitation

Implementation Method 2

The precipitate product contains at least one solid solution of Al2O3 and TiO2 in one another

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolid solution formation:

Data Source

PatentEP1984112B1Oxide mixture
Publication Date: 2017.08.09 HUNTSMAN P&A GERMANY GMBH

AI summary

The invention relates to a catalytically effective oxide mixture, method for production and use thereof.