UZM-54 Zeolite High Meso-Surface Area Catalysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current zeolites face challenges in achieving high external surface areas and acid site density for industrial catalytic applications, particularly at lower Si/Al2 ratios, which limits their effectiveness in hydrocarbon conversion processes.

Innovation Solution

A new family of zeolites, designated UZM-54, with a microporous crystalline structure and specific empirical composition, is synthesized using a hydrothermal crystallization method, incorporating organoammonium cations and alkali metals, resulting in a thermally stable material with unique x-ray diffraction patterns and high mesopore surface areas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional zeolites are used with lower Si/Al2 ratios to increase acid site density, then catalytic activity improves, but thermal stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalytic activityVSAvoidthermal stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the Si/Al2 ratio within a specific range (15-30) and adjusting synthesis conditions including temperature (100-200°C), pH (8-12), and reaction time (1-7 days) to achieve optimal balance between catalytic activity and thermal stability. The use of specific organoammonium cations as structure-directing agents further refines the structural parameters to enhance both properties simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite zeolite structure by incorporating organic cations (ammonium, alkylammonium, arylammonium) within the inorganic zeolite framework. This composite approach allows the organic components to stabilize the framework at lower Si/Al2 ratios while maintaining thermal stability up to 800-1000°C, thereby resolving the contradiction between high acid site density and thermal stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If conventional zeolites are used to achieve high external surface areas for catalytic applications, then catalytic performance improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalytic performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs segmentation by synthesizing zeolite particles with controlled size distributions (0.1-10 micrometers) and creating hierarchical pore structures that combine micropores and mesopores. This segmentation approach increases external surface area and improves catalytic performance while maintaining manageable manufacturing complexity through standardized hydrothermal synthesis protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes porous material design by creating zeolites with controlled pore sizes, pore volumes, and surface areas through selection of specific structure-directing agents and synthesis conditions. The hierarchical pore structure (combining micropores <2 nm and mesopores 2-50 nm) enhances catalytic performance by improving reactant access while maintaining structural simplicity for manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

3Reliability

If zeolites are synthesized with higher acid site density through lower Si/Al2 ratios, then catalytic activity increases, but framework stability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalytic activityVSAvoidframework stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses organic cations (ammonium, alkylammonium, arylammonium) as intermediaries within the zeolite framework. These organic intermediaries stabilize the framework structure at lower Si/Al2 ratios by filling space and providing structural support, thereby maintaining framework stability while enabling high acid site density and catalytic activity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the Si/Al2 ratio within a specific range (15-30) rather than using extreme values, and by controlling synthesis parameters (temperature, pH, time, cation type) to achieve the optimal balance between framework stability and catalytic activity. This controlled parameter approach prevents framework collapse while maximizing acid site density.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

UZM-54 exhibits high external surface areas and acid site density, enabling improved catalytic performance in hydrocarbon conversion processes, even at lower Si/Al2 ratios, and maintains thermal stability up to 1000°C, making it suitable for various industrial applications.

Implementation Method 1

Zeolites are characterized by having pore openings of uniform dimensions, having a significant ion exchange capacity, and being capable of reversibly desorbing an adsorbed phase which is dispersed throughout the internal voids of the crystal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

Synthetic zeolites are prepared via hydrothermal synthesis employing suitable sources of Si, Al and structure directing agents such as alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, amines, or organoammonium cations. The structure directing agents reside in the pores of the zeolite and are largely responsible for the particular structure that is ultimately formed.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCrystallisation: Crystallisation

Implementation Method 3

Zeolites can be used as catalysts for hydrocarbon conversion reactions, which can take place on outside surfaces as well as on internal surfaces within the pore

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 4

A new family of zeolitic materials having a designation of UZM-54 have been synthesized... characterized by unique x-ray diffraction patterns

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-Ray: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentUS10167201B2High meso-surface area, low Si/Al ratio pentasil zeolite
Publication Date: 2019.01.01 UOP LLC

AI summary

A new family of crystalline aluminosilicate zeolites has been synthesized and designated as UZM-54. These zeolites are represented by the empirical formula:Mmn+R1 r1p1+R2 r2p2+Al1-xExSiyOz where M is an alkali, alkaline earth, or rare earth metal such as sodium or strontium, R1 and R2 are organoammonium cation and E is a framework element such as gallium, iron, boron, or indium. These zeolites are characterized by unique x-ray diffraction patterns, high meso-surface areas and low Si/Al2 ratios and have catalytic properties for carrying out various hydrocarbon conversion processes.