Metal-organic framework for the separation of alkane isomers
AssigneeThe Regents of the University of California
InventorsJeffrey R. Long, Zoey R. Herm, Brian M. Wiers, Rajamani Krishna
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Abstract
A metal organic framework Fe2(bdp)3 (BDP2−=1,4-benzenedipyrazolate) with triangular channels is particularly suited for C5-C7 separations of alkanes according to the number of branches in the molecule rather than by carbon number. The metal-organic framework can offer pore geometries that is unavailable in zeolites or other porous media, facilitating distinct types of shape-based molecular separations.
Claims19
A method of separating alkane isomer mixtures, the method comprising:
- (a) providing a source of alkane isomers;
- (b) streaming the alkane isomers through a separator bed of Fe2(BDP)3 to separate the alkane isomers according to the degree of branching;
- (c) collecting di-branched isomers separated from the stream of alkane isomers;
- and
- (d) collecting mono-branched and linear alkanes separated from the stream of alkane isomers.
A method as recited 1, further comprising controlling the temperature and pressure of the alkane isomers streaming through the separator bed.
A system for forming and separating branched alkane isomers, the system comprising:
- (a) a feedstock of one or more alkanes;
- (b) an isomerization reactor with an input feed coupled to said feedstock of alkanes and an output feed of reactor products;
- and
- (c) a separator with a housing, a separator bed of Fe2(BDP)3, an intake duct coupled to the output feed of the isomerization reactor and at least one separation product outflow line coupled to the isomerization reactor and to a collector;
- (d) wherein linear and mono-branched alkanes from the separation product line are returned to the isomerization reactor for further isomerization and multiple branched alkanes are collected.
A porous metal organic framework comprising Fe2(bdp)3 (BDP2−=1,4-benzenedipyrazolate).
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.