Titanium-Organometallic Grafted Zeolites for Catalytic Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional zeolites lack enhanced catalytic functionality due to limited grafting sites and accessibility for larger reactant molecules, which restricts their efficiency in petrochemical applications.

Innovation Solution

Modified zeolites are developed by grafting organometallic moieties, such as titanium, to the framework of amine-functionalized zeolites, creating additional catalytic sites and improving accessibility through mesoporosity, allowing for enhanced catalytic activity and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional zeolites are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the catalytic functionality is limited due to lack of grafting sites

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecatalytic functionalityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines zeolite framework with organometallic moieties to create a composite material that integrates the microporous structure of zeolites with the catalytic activity of metal centers, thereby enhancing catalytic functionality while maintaining structural benefits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces organometallic grafting sites at specific locations on the zeolite framework, creating localized areas of enhanced catalytic activity without modifying the entire structure uniformly, thus improving versatility while controlling complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If conventional zeolites are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but accessibility for larger reactant molecules is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemolecule accessibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates hierarchical porosity by combining micropores with introduced mesopores, segmenting the pore structure into multiple size ranges that allow different molecules to access active sites through appropriate pathways, improving accessibility without excessive manufacturing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If organometallic moieties are grafted to zeolite framework, then catalytic performance is enhanced, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecatalytic efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary functionalization of the zeolite framework with amine groups before introducing organometallic moieties, creating pre-positioned grafting sites that simplify the subsequent organometallic attachment process and improve overall manufacturing efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses amine functional groups as intermediary structures that facilitate the bonding between the zeolite framework and organometallic moieties, acting as a mediator that simplifies the grafting process and enhances catalytic performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If organometallic moieties are grafted to zeolite framework, then catalytic stability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecatalytic stabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the microporous framework of zeolites to provide structural support and confinement for organometallic moieties, enhancing catalytic stability through the rigid porous structure while maintaining controlled complexity through the well-defined pore architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

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 modified zeolites exhibit improved catalytic performance and stability, enabling more efficient conversion of hydrocarbons and increased durability in petrochemical processes.

Implementation Method 1

The reacting of the organometallic chemical with the amine functionalized zeolite may form the modified zeolite comprising organometallic moieties each bonded to a nitrogen atom of the modified zeolite

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical Bonding: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS11731882B2Modified zeolites that include titanium-containing organometallic moieties and methods for making such

Publication Date: 2023.08.22 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

AI summary

Disclosed herein are modified zeolites and methods for making modified zeolites. In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, a modified zeolite may include a microporous framework including a plurality of micropores having diameters of less than or equal to 2 nm. The microporous framework may include at least silicon atoms and oxygen atoms. The modified zeolite may further include organometallic moieties each bonded to a nitrogen atom of a secondary amine functional group including a nitrogen atom and a hydrogen atom. The organometallic moieties may include a titanium atom that is bonded to the nitrogen atom of the secondary amine functional group. The nitrogen atom of the secondary amine function group may bridge the titanium atom of the organometallic moiety and a silicon atom of the microporous framework.