Metal Oxide-Loaded Zeolite Beta for Selective Plastic Oil Cracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The overabundance of plastic waste poses a sustainability challenge due to its slow degradation, and existing methods do not effectively convert plastics into higher-value chemicals like propylene and butenes.
Innovation Solution
A catalyst comprising metal oxide-loaded zeolite Beta, with zeolite Beta particles smaller than 100 nm and metal oxides such as iron oxide, lanthanum oxide, and cerium oxide, is used to crack plastic-derived oil into hydrocarbon products, particularly light olefins like propylene and butenes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional catalysts are used to crack plastic-derived oil, then the conversion process can proceed, but the selectivity and stability for producing high-value hydrocarbons like propylene and butenes are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite catalyst system consisting of zeolite Beta particles loaded with metal oxides (Fe, La, Ce). This composite structure combines the shape-selective cracking capability of zeolite Beta with the promotional effects of metal oxides, achieving both high product selectivity (propylene and butenes) and catalyst stability. The metal oxides are disposed on the zeolite Beta particles to create a synergistic catalytic system that resolves the contradiction between selectivity and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating non-uniform distribution of metal oxides on zeolite Beta particles with specific size ranges (0.1-10 μm). The metal oxides are disposed on the particle surfaces and within pores, creating localized active sites with enhanced catalytic properties. This local modification of catalyst structure allows simultaneous achievement of high selectivity at specific sites and overall stability across the catalyst bed.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If plastic waste is converted into higher-value chemicals, then environmental sustainability improves, but the conversion efficiency and economic viability remain challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes critical parameters including zeolite Beta particle size (0.1-10 μm), metal oxide composition (Fe, La, Ce), and their ratios to maximize conversion efficiency. By carefully controlling these parameters, the catalyst achieves high activity for cracking plastic-derived oil into valuable hydrocarbons, thereby improving productivity while addressing plastic waste accumulation. The specific particle size range and metal oxide loading are optimized to enhance reaction rates and product yields.
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 catalyst enhances the selectivity and stability of converting plastic-derived oil into high-value hydrocarbons, improving the efficiency of plastic waste conversion into valuable chemicals.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the plastic-derived oil with a catalyst to crack the plastic-derived oil to form a hydrocarbon product
Implementation Method 2
crack the plastic-derived oil to form a hydrocarbon product, wherein: the catalyst comprises metal oxide-loaded zeolite Beta
Implementation Method 3
one or more metal oxides chosen from iron oxide, lanthanum oxide, and cerium oxide, wherein the one or more metal oxides are disposed on the zeolite Beta particles
Data Source
AI summary
A method for processing a plastic-derived oil may comprise contacting the plastic-derived oil with a catalyst to crack the plastic-derived oil to form a hydrocarbon product. The catalyst may comprise a metal oxide-loaded zeolite Beta comprising: zeolite Beta particles having a size of less than 100 nm, and one or more metal oxides chosen from iron oxide, lanthanum oxide, and cerium oxide. The one or more metal oxides may be disposed on the zeolite Beta particles.