Zinc Ferrite Catalyst Preparation via Water Vaporization

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for preparing metal oxide catalysts, such as zinc ferrite, are complex and lack reproducibility due to the need for pH adjustment steps and instability in iron oxidation states, which complicates the production of 1,3-butadiene through oxidative dehydrogenation of butene.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the dissolution of zinc and iron precursors in water, followed by vaporization to precipitate a solid catalyst precursor, and subsequent firing without pH adjustment, ensuring a simplified and reproducible synthesis of zinc ferrite catalysts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the precipitation method is used to synthesize metal oxide catalysts, then the catalyst can be produced through a chemical reaction, but the preparation process becomes complex and reproducibility deteriorates due to the need for pH adjustment steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepreparation process simplicityVSAvoidreproducibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the pH adjustment step from the traditional precipitation method. By using a basic solution that provides both the basic environment and the counter ion simultaneously, the process removes the separate pH adjustment operation while maintaining effective precipitation, thereby simplifying the process and improving reproducibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The basic solution serves multiple functions: it provides the basic environment for precipitation, supplies the counter ion for the metal cation, and maintains the appropriate pH level all at once. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate pH adjustment steps and reagent additions, simplifying the overall preparation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If the precipitation method with pH adjustment is used, then the catalyst synthesis can be controlled, but the process complexity increases and operational ease decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynthesis controlVSAvoidoperational simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the pH adjustment function and the precipitation reagent function into a single basic solution. This combination maintains precise control over the precipitation process while eliminating multiple separate operational steps, thereby improving ease of operation without sacrificing synthesis control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If traditional precipitation methods are used, then catalyst synthesis can proceed, but the process requires multiple steps including pH adjustment that increases time consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynthesis efficiencyVSAvoidpreparation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes the time-consuming pH adjustment step from the precipitation process. By using a basic solution that inherently provides the necessary basic environment, the process eliminates the separate pH adjustment operation, reducing preparation time while maintaining synthesis efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If pH adjustment steps are included in the precipitation method, then the precipitation reaction can be controlled, but the device and process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereaction controlVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The basic solution serves as a universal reagent that simultaneously provides the basic environment for controlled precipitation and the counter ion for the metal cation. This multi-functionality maintains reliable reaction control while eliminating the need for separate pH adjustment equipment and procedures, thereby reducing process complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This method provides a stable synthesis of zinc ferrite catalysts without altering the iron oxidation state, simplifies the preparation process, and enhances reproducibility, leading to superior selectivity and yield in oxidative dehydrogenation reactions.

Implementation Method 1

a step of precipitating a solid catalyst precursor while vaporizing water in the aqueous metal precursor solution

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVaporization: Evaporation

Implementation Method 2

a step of firing the precipitated solid catalyst precursor to prepare a zinc ferrite catalyst

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiring: Sintering

Data Source

PatentEP3427827B1Method for preparing zinc ferrite catalyst
Publication Date: 2020.04.29 LG CHEM LTD
  • EP3427827B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3427827B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a method of preparing a zinc ferrite catalyst. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method of preparing a zinc ferrite catalyst comprising a) a step of dissolving a zinc precursor and an iron (III) precursor in water to prepare an aqueous metal precursor solution; b) a step of precipitating a solid catalyst precursor while vaporizing water in the aqueous metal precursor solution; and c) a step of firing the precipitated solid catalyst precursor to prepare a zinc ferrite catalyst. In accordance with the present disclosure, the method of preparing a zinc ferrite catalyst can be simply carried out without a pH adjustment step and can secure reproducibility.