Facile synthesis of tin-containing zeolites
Heteroatom containing zeolite catalysts have shown excellent catalytic activity and thermal stability in petrochemical processes as well as for converting biomass into biofuels and high-value chemicals. However, their synthesis is difficult, requiring harsh chemicals and long synthesis times. This patented technology is several rapid, high-yield synthesis methods for heteroatom containing zeolites, such as Sn-Beta. The method begins with adding zeolite seeds to a solution comprising a heteroatom source and a structure-directing agent. By directly adding the seeds to the solution without calcination or drying, the seeds do not agglomerate and as a result, crystallization time is shortened. To complete catalyst synthesis from the resulting gel, it is then heated to form a solid, filtered, washed, dried, and finally calcined. Specific methods disclosed in this patent include one as short as 2 days, as well as the first fluorine-free synthesis route. The catalysts were demonstrated to be active for both sugar isomerization and dehydration reactions, necessary in fuel and chemical synthesis. TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION ADVANTAGES • Can synthesize Sn-Beta, Si-Beta, Ti-Beta, Zr-Beta, and Fe-Beta zeolite catalysts • Cuts synthesis time from several weeks as little as 2 days• Catalyst yields from method >85%• Includes a fluorine-free synthesis method that is much safer than the traditional utilization of hydrofluoric acid• Performs sugar isomerization and dehydration reactions together, which eases catalyst separation and process engineering design and reduces corrosion, compared to liquid acids PRODUCT OPPORTUNITIES• Petrochemical processing• Chemicals and fuels from cellulosic biomass• One-pot HMF synthesis• Isomerization of triose, pentose, and hexose sugars• Selective oxidation reactions ABOUT THE INVENTOR Wei Fan, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering focusing on the rational synthesis of nanoporous materials for the catalysts of biorefinery and drug delivery carriers. AVAILABILITY: Available for Licensing and/or Sponsored Research DOCKET: UMA 12-30 PATENT STATUS: Patent US 9,108,190 issued NON-CONFIDENTIAL INVENTION DISCLOSURE LEAD INVENTOR: Wei Fan CONTACT: Heteroatom containing zeolite catalysts have shown excellent catalytic activity and thermal stability in petrochemical processes as well as for converting biomass into biofuels and high-value chemicals. However, their synthesis is difficult, requiring harsh chemicals and long synthesis times. This patented technology is several rapid, high-yield synthesis methods for heteroatom containing zeolites, such as Sn-Beta. The method begins with adding zeolite seeds to a solution comprising a heteroatom source and a structure-directing agent. By directly adding the seeds to the solution without calcination or drying, the seeds do not agglomerate and as a result, crystallization time is shortened. To complete catalyst synthesis from the resulting gel, it is then heated to form a solid, filtered, washed, dried, and finally calcined. Specific methods disclosed in this patent include one as short as 2 days and the first fluorine-free synthesis route. The catalysts were demonstrated to be active for both sugar isomerization and dehydration reactions, necessary in fuel and chemical synthesis.
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