Catalyst compositions and methods for alcohol production from synthesis gas
AssigneeRange Fuels, Inc.
InventorKarl Kharas
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
In one aspect of this invention, catalytic compositions produced by calcining intermediates of the formula [NR4]x[M12M2S8] are provided, wherein M1 is Mo or W; M2 is Co, Ni, or Pd; x is 2 or 3; and R is a C3-C8 alkyl group. Another aspect provides catalytic compositions produced by calcining intermediates of the formula Ax[M12M2S8], wherein A is selected from K, Rb, Cs, Sr, and Ba. Also provided are methods for making the compositions, and methods of using the compositions for the catalytic conversion of syngas into C1-C4 alcohols such as ethanol.
Claims37
A method for generating a catalyst derived from [R4N]x[M12M2S8], said catalyst capable of converting syngas into one or more reaction products comprising at least one C1-C4 alcohol when in the presence of a catalytic promoter, said method comprising:
- (a) preparing a solution A of a compound of the formula [NH4]2[M1S4] in a first polar solvent, wherein M1 is Mo or W;
- (b) preparing a solution B of a salt or compound of a Group VIII element M2 in a second polar solvent, wherein M2 is Co, Ni, or Pd, wherein x is 2 when M2 is Ni or Pd, and wherein x is 3 when M1 is Mo and M2 is Co;
- (c) when x is 3, preparing a solution C containing a reducing agent dissolved in a third polar solvent miscible in the first or second polar solvents;
- (d) preparing a solution D of a compound of the formula R4NZ in a fourth polar solvent, wherein R is a C3-C8 alkyl group, and wherein Z is a monovalent anion;
- (e) combining solutions A, B, C (if any), and D, to form a precipitate comprising a compound of the formula [R4N]x[M12M2S8];
- (f) removing the first, second, third (if any), and fourth solvents from the precipitate;
- and
- (g) calcining the precipitate under inert atmosphere to form the catalyst.
A method for generating a catalyst derived from Ey[M12M2S8], said catalyst capable of converting syngas into one or more reaction products comprising at least one C1-C4 alcohol when in the presence of a catalytic promoter, wherein:
- E is selected from the group consisting of K, Cs, Rb, Sr, and Ba;
- M1 is Mo or W;
- M2 is a Group VIII element Co, Ni, or Pd;
- x is 2 when M2 is Ni or Pd;
- x is 3 when M1 is Mo and M2 is Co;
- y is x when E is K, Cs, or Rb;
- and
- y is x/2 when E is Sr or Ba;
- said method comprising:
- (a) preparing a solution A of a compound of the formula [NH4]2[M1S4] in a first polar solvent;
- (b) preparing a solution B of a salt or compound of M2 in a second polar solvent,
- (c) when x is 3, preparing a solution C containing a reducing agent dissolved in a third polar solvent miscible in said first or second polar solvents;
- (d) preparing a solution D of a compound of the formula selected from the group consisting of KOH, CsOH, RbOH, Sr(OH)2, and Ba(OH)2 in a fourth polar solvent;
- (e) combining said solutions A, B, C (if any), and D, to form a precipitate comprising a compound of the formula Ey[M12M2S8];
- (f) removing said first, second, third (if any), and fourth solvents from said precipitate;
- and
- (g) calcining said precipitate under inert atmosphere to form said catalyst.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.