- Email: [email protected]
This microbial fuel cell gets a boost of hydrogen
FOCUS yield 34,000 bbl/day of GTL diesel, GTL naphtha and a small quantity of LPG. GTL is free of sulfur and is very low in aromatics and provides impressive power ratings. Petroleum Review, May 2005, 59 (670), 8 (The Institute of Petroleum, 61 New Cavendish St, London W1M 8AR, UK. Tel: +44 (0)207 467 7118/9. Fax: +44 (0)207 637 0086. E-mail: [email protected]. Website: http://www.petroleum.co.uk)
Chinese dimethyl ether plant launched Jiutai Energy (Inner Mongolia) Co Ltd, a jv between Rockefeller & Co (31%) and Jiutai Chemical Co Ltd, launched a 1 M tonne/y dimethyl ether project in Erdos, Inner Mongolia on 24 Apr 2005. It will also produce 1.5 M tonne/y methanol, using liquid-phase complex acid dehydration catalytic process. The project will cost RMB Yuan 5.6 bn. On completion of the first phase the project will generate RMB Yuan 1.02 bn in sales and net profits of RMB Yuan 375 M. China Chemical Reporter, 6 May 2005, 16 (13), 12
VioQuest opens pilot plant in China VioQuest Pharmaceuticals has commissioned a pilot plant in Jiashan, China, for producing 100 kg batches of chiral building blocks and catalysts. Chemical and Engineering News, 30 May 2005, 83 (22), 17-18 (Website: http://www.cen-online.org)
NEW TECHNOLOGY Chiral polytungstate synthesised A chiral inorganic catalyst has long been sought. Workers at Emory University, Atlanta, have now made a chiral zirconium polytungstate which is expected to function as a chiral catalyst. It was made from zirconium ions, a polytungstate, and an optically active tartrate. Chemical & Engineering News, 30 May 2005, 83 (22), 15
Recyclable photocatalytic active carbon developed A blue recyclable activated carbon combined with a titania photocatalyst has been developed in Japan by the
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ON
C ATA LY S T S
National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology. There is discussion of the product, its advantages and applications. Japan Chemical Week, 12 May 2005, 46 (2317), 2
New catalyst technology for ultra-low sulfur diesel Criterion has come up with Centinel Gold, an enhanced catalyst system to help refiners in making ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD). Centinel Gold is a Type II CoMoS and NiMoS active-site catalyst that is said to provide high active-metal loading as it further enhances the MoS2 dispersion. Active sites/unit volume are increased by the combination of higher metals loading and greater accessibility, enabling the product to remove most refractory sulfur compounds. The system is capable of removing HDS-inhibiting organic nitrogen compounds that competitively adsorb on the active sites and limit the unit’s capability to process ULSD. Hydrocarbon Processing, May 2005, 84 (5), 26
Diesel yield with biological enzyme process reaches over 90% A new biological enzyme process by Tsinghua University and tested by Sinopec Research Institute of Petrochemical Processing allows animal and plant grease to be transformed into biodiesel. The process is being used in a pilot unit, which yields 90% diesel. Hunan Haina Baichuan Bioengineering Co Ltd is using the process in a 200 kg/day biodiesel pilot unit at Hunan Yiyang in China. Rapeseed oil is used as the raw material. China Chemical Reporter, 26 Apr 2005, 16 (12), 15
New tri-metal reformer catalyst offers improved yields, stability Axen has come up with RG 628, a platinum-rhenium catalyst for use in semi-regenerative reformers and cyclic reforming services. Adding rhenium to a platinum/alumina catalyst significantly improves the catalyst’s stability or cycle length while reducing the rate of coke formation and its toxic effect on catalyst activity. The catalyst is said to impart superior yields of activity even
at higher coke levels by a tri-metallic catalyst system. Hydrocarbon Processing, May 2005, 84 (5), 26
Additive systems increase olefin production Engelhard’s Maximum Propylene Additive (MPA) is said to permit higher propylene output from fluid catalytic cracking units while sustaining the flexibility of applying additive systems. The system combines the technology of a distributed matrix structure platform (DSM) with ZSM-5 based additives in a single additive formulation. Reduced catalyst dilution activity happens when applied at high concentrations of additives since the DSM-based activity function is included. Higher propylene production with fewer trade-offs is also allowed. Hydrocarbon Processing, May 2005, 84 (5), 26
New Japanese research centre to study PEMFCs The Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry, has established a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell Research Centre at its National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology. One of its objectives is to reduce the usage of platinum in PEMFCs by studying the fundamental electrode processes in such cells. Japan Chemical Week, 19 May 2005, 46 (2318), 5
This microbial fuel cell gets a boost of hydrogen Ion Power Inc and researchers from Penn State University (PSU) have come up with a method that allows bacteria to generate four-times the amount of hydrogen directly from biomass than can be produced by fermentation alone. The bacteria are stimulated to convert acetic acid into hydrogen and carbon dioxide by applying a small voltage. Conventionally, bacteria can only transform carbohydrates into a controlled amount of hydrogen and a mixture of fermentation end-product, such as acetic and butyric acids. The process is expected to develop the viability of PSU’s microbial fuel cell (MFC). The new MFC permits simultaneous transfer of an electron
JULY 2005
FOCUS to an anode and release of a proton into the solution. In addition to producing hydrogen and electricity, wastewater used as feedstock is simultaneously cleansed by the device. Chemical Engineering (New York), May 2005, 112 (5), 19
Genencor debuts new enzyme Genencor International Inc has introduced a new protease enzyme for liquid detergents. The protease improves the cleaning performance of heavy duty liquid detergents at low temperatures. Chemical Market Reporter, 9 May 2005 (Website: http://www.chemicalmarketreporter.com)
ENVIRONMENT European programme examining the safety of nanotechnologies Nanosafe2 is part of the EU’s sixth research programme into the use of nanoparticles and has a €12.4 M budget. Its members (including BASF, Arkema, DGTEC, Nanogate, Oxonica, and Procter and Gamble) will carry out a 4-year risk assessment study looking at the effect on humans of exposure to nanoparticles. They will also study nanoparticle life cycles. Information collected by the programme will be freely available on databases. BASF’s task will be to examine the potential risks posed by the inhalation of nanoparticles. The German group already markets several nanotechnology products such as Ultradur High Speed (a polybutylene terephthalate), Mincor (a textile coating), effect pigments, catalysts, and products for the cosmetic industry. It is also developing other products including printing inks and nanostructures for hydrogen storage. Chimie Pharma Hebdo, 16 May 2005, (298), 16 (in French)
Engelhard launches auto catalysts A new catalyst technology that meets emission regulations in the EU and reduces the cost of precious metals for automotive manufacturers has been introduced by Engelhard. Production is due to begin in May
JULY 2005
ON
C ATA LY S T S
2005 at two unspecified auto makers in Europe. Use of the technology allows palladium to be substituted for 33% of the platinum on one catalyst in the three-catalyst system.
water by the water-gas shift process, eg for fuel cells, but it is usually pyrophoric. In this patent the copper is present with alumina as a spinel, and passivated by heating in oxygen.
Chemical Week, 11 May 2005, 167 (16) (Website: http://www.chemweek.com)
US 6,903,050, Engelhard Corp, Iselin, NJ, USA, 7 Jun 2005
Recycaltics recovers platinum group metals
Ethylene-to-hexene
Responding to a long-standing industry need, Recycalytics announces that it is now accepting end-of-life, metal supported catalyst media for recovering contained platinum group metals. Recycalytics is a full service enterprise serving the catalyst marketplace. The company specialises in the recovery of platinum group metals from end-of-life catalysts and catalyst production scrap. Press release from: Recycalytics LLC, PO Box 2699, Newark, NJ 07114, USA. Toll free: +1 800 786 5051. Tel: +1 973 273 0728. Fax: +1 973 273 0869. E-mail: [email protected]. Website: http://www.recycalytics.com (24 May 2005)
PATENTS Hybrid F-T and methanol synthesis process This process combines the F-T process, which makes hydrocarbon mixtures from syngas, with methanol synthesis, which makes methanol from hydrocarbons and steam. The F-T catalyst is cobalt on zinc oxide: the methanol synthesis catalyst is copper on zinc oxide. The slurry of mixed catalysts is used in a highshear reactor. US 6,903,140, BP Exploration Operating Co Ltd and Davy Process Technology Ltd, London, UK, 7 Jun 2005
Monolithic hydrogenation catalyst support The cordierite honeycomb is coated with in-situ generated theta alumina which is a known catalyst for selective hydrogenation. US 6,903,051, Corning Inc, Corning, NY, USA, 7 Jun 2005
Non-pyrophoric copper-alumina catalysts Copper on alumina is a useful catalyst for producing hydrogen from CO and
Chromium carboxylates, in conjunction with aluminoxanes and organic magnesium compounds, are known catalysts for trimerizing ethylene. It has now been found that the presence of additional carboxylic acid (eg 2ethylhexanoic acid) makes the catalyst more active and more selective. US 6,903,042, IFP, Rueil Malmaison, France, 7 Jun 2005
Production of improved SAPO-34 SAPO-34 is a well-known catalyst for the methanol-to-olefins process. It can be made from a variety of raw materials such as tetra-ethyl orthosilicate, phosphoric acid, and alumina. It has been conventional to use also a surfactant as a structuredirecting agent. It has now been found that superior, non-aggregated products of smaller crystal size are produced if the surfactant is omitted. US 6,903,240, ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc, Houston, TX, USA, 7 Jun 2005
BOOKSHELF Metathesis polymerization Has chapters on ADMET (acyclic diene metathesis), liquid crystal polymers, and regioselective polymerization of 1-alkynes. M Buchmeiser (Ed), 2005, Advances in Polymer Science, Vol 176, Springer Verlag, Berlin, ISBN 3-54023358-X, 142 pp, $139
Interfacial Catalysis A very mixed bag, with contributions from 11 countries, some of them being highly mathematical. Topics covered include phase-transfer catalysis, micellar catalysis, interfacial bio-catalysis, and membrane catalysis. AG Volkov (Ed), 2003, Marcel Dekker, New York, ISBN 0-8247-0839-3, 674 pp, $230
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Chinese dimethyl ether plant launched Jiutai Energy (Inner Mongolia) Co Ltd, a jv between Rockefeller & Co (31%) and Jiutai Chemical Co Ltd, launched a 1 M tonne/y dimethyl ether project in Erdos, Inner Mongolia on 24 Apr 2005. It will also produce 1.5 M tonne/y methanol, using liquid-phase complex acid dehydration catalytic process. The project will cost RMB Yuan 5.6 bn. On completion of the first phase the project will generate RMB Yuan 1.02 bn in sales and net profits of RMB Yuan 375 M. China Chemical Reporter, 6 May 2005, 16 (13), 12
VioQuest opens pilot plant in China VioQuest Pharmaceuticals has commissioned a pilot plant in Jiashan, China, for producing 100 kg batches of chiral building blocks and catalysts. Chemical and Engineering News, 30 May 2005, 83 (22), 17-18 (Website: http://www.cen-online.org)
NEW TECHNOLOGY Chiral polytungstate synthesised A chiral inorganic catalyst has long been sought. Workers at Emory University, Atlanta, have now made a chiral zirconium polytungstate which is expected to function as a chiral catalyst. It was made from zirconium ions, a polytungstate, and an optically active tartrate. Chemical & Engineering News, 30 May 2005, 83 (22), 15
Recyclable photocatalytic active carbon developed A blue recyclable activated carbon combined with a titania photocatalyst has been developed in Japan by the
6
ON
C ATA LY S T S
National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology. There is discussion of the product, its advantages and applications. Japan Chemical Week, 12 May 2005, 46 (2317), 2
New catalyst technology for ultra-low sulfur diesel Criterion has come up with Centinel Gold, an enhanced catalyst system to help refiners in making ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD). Centinel Gold is a Type II CoMoS and NiMoS active-site catalyst that is said to provide high active-metal loading as it further enhances the MoS2 dispersion. Active sites/unit volume are increased by the combination of higher metals loading and greater accessibility, enabling the product to remove most refractory sulfur compounds. The system is capable of removing HDS-inhibiting organic nitrogen compounds that competitively adsorb on the active sites and limit the unit’s capability to process ULSD. Hydrocarbon Processing, May 2005, 84 (5), 26
Diesel yield with biological enzyme process reaches over 90% A new biological enzyme process by Tsinghua University and tested by Sinopec Research Institute of Petrochemical Processing allows animal and plant grease to be transformed into biodiesel. The process is being used in a pilot unit, which yields 90% diesel. Hunan Haina Baichuan Bioengineering Co Ltd is using the process in a 200 kg/day biodiesel pilot unit at Hunan Yiyang in China. Rapeseed oil is used as the raw material. China Chemical Reporter, 26 Apr 2005, 16 (12), 15
New tri-metal reformer catalyst offers improved yields, stability Axen has come up with RG 628, a platinum-rhenium catalyst for use in semi-regenerative reformers and cyclic reforming services. Adding rhenium to a platinum/alumina catalyst significantly improves the catalyst’s stability or cycle length while reducing the rate of coke formation and its toxic effect on catalyst activity. The catalyst is said to impart superior yields of activity even
at higher coke levels by a tri-metallic catalyst system. Hydrocarbon Processing, May 2005, 84 (5), 26
Additive systems increase olefin production Engelhard’s Maximum Propylene Additive (MPA) is said to permit higher propylene output from fluid catalytic cracking units while sustaining the flexibility of applying additive systems. The system combines the technology of a distributed matrix structure platform (DSM) with ZSM-5 based additives in a single additive formulation. Reduced catalyst dilution activity happens when applied at high concentrations of additives since the DSM-based activity function is included. Higher propylene production with fewer trade-offs is also allowed. Hydrocarbon Processing, May 2005, 84 (5), 26
New Japanese research centre to study PEMFCs The Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry, has established a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell Research Centre at its National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology. One of its objectives is to reduce the usage of platinum in PEMFCs by studying the fundamental electrode processes in such cells. Japan Chemical Week, 19 May 2005, 46 (2318), 5
This microbial fuel cell gets a boost of hydrogen Ion Power Inc and researchers from Penn State University (PSU) have come up with a method that allows bacteria to generate four-times the amount of hydrogen directly from biomass than can be produced by fermentation alone. The bacteria are stimulated to convert acetic acid into hydrogen and carbon dioxide by applying a small voltage. Conventionally, bacteria can only transform carbohydrates into a controlled amount of hydrogen and a mixture of fermentation end-product, such as acetic and butyric acids. The process is expected to develop the viability of PSU’s microbial fuel cell (MFC). The new MFC permits simultaneous transfer of an electron
JULY 2005
FOCUS to an anode and release of a proton into the solution. In addition to producing hydrogen and electricity, wastewater used as feedstock is simultaneously cleansed by the device. Chemical Engineering (New York), May 2005, 112 (5), 19
Genencor debuts new enzyme Genencor International Inc has introduced a new protease enzyme for liquid detergents. The protease improves the cleaning performance of heavy duty liquid detergents at low temperatures. Chemical Market Reporter, 9 May 2005 (Website: http://www.chemicalmarketreporter.com)
ENVIRONMENT European programme examining the safety of nanotechnologies Nanosafe2 is part of the EU’s sixth research programme into the use of nanoparticles and has a €12.4 M budget. Its members (including BASF, Arkema, DGTEC, Nanogate, Oxonica, and Procter and Gamble) will carry out a 4-year risk assessment study looking at the effect on humans of exposure to nanoparticles. They will also study nanoparticle life cycles. Information collected by the programme will be freely available on databases. BASF’s task will be to examine the potential risks posed by the inhalation of nanoparticles. The German group already markets several nanotechnology products such as Ultradur High Speed (a polybutylene terephthalate), Mincor (a textile coating), effect pigments, catalysts, and products for the cosmetic industry. It is also developing other products including printing inks and nanostructures for hydrogen storage. Chimie Pharma Hebdo, 16 May 2005, (298), 16 (in French)
Engelhard launches auto catalysts A new catalyst technology that meets emission regulations in the EU and reduces the cost of precious metals for automotive manufacturers has been introduced by Engelhard. Production is due to begin in May
JULY 2005
ON
C ATA LY S T S
2005 at two unspecified auto makers in Europe. Use of the technology allows palladium to be substituted for 33% of the platinum on one catalyst in the three-catalyst system.
water by the water-gas shift process, eg for fuel cells, but it is usually pyrophoric. In this patent the copper is present with alumina as a spinel, and passivated by heating in oxygen.
Chemical Week, 11 May 2005, 167 (16) (Website: http://www.chemweek.com)
US 6,903,050, Engelhard Corp, Iselin, NJ, USA, 7 Jun 2005
Recycaltics recovers platinum group metals
Ethylene-to-hexene
Responding to a long-standing industry need, Recycalytics announces that it is now accepting end-of-life, metal supported catalyst media for recovering contained platinum group metals. Recycalytics is a full service enterprise serving the catalyst marketplace. The company specialises in the recovery of platinum group metals from end-of-life catalysts and catalyst production scrap. Press release from: Recycalytics LLC, PO Box 2699, Newark, NJ 07114, USA. Toll free: +1 800 786 5051. Tel: +1 973 273 0728. Fax: +1 973 273 0869. E-mail: [email protected]. Website: http://www.recycalytics.com (24 May 2005)
PATENTS Hybrid F-T and methanol synthesis process This process combines the F-T process, which makes hydrocarbon mixtures from syngas, with methanol synthesis, which makes methanol from hydrocarbons and steam. The F-T catalyst is cobalt on zinc oxide: the methanol synthesis catalyst is copper on zinc oxide. The slurry of mixed catalysts is used in a highshear reactor. US 6,903,140, BP Exploration Operating Co Ltd and Davy Process Technology Ltd, London, UK, 7 Jun 2005
Monolithic hydrogenation catalyst support The cordierite honeycomb is coated with in-situ generated theta alumina which is a known catalyst for selective hydrogenation. US 6,903,051, Corning Inc, Corning, NY, USA, 7 Jun 2005
Non-pyrophoric copper-alumina catalysts Copper on alumina is a useful catalyst for producing hydrogen from CO and
Chromium carboxylates, in conjunction with aluminoxanes and organic magnesium compounds, are known catalysts for trimerizing ethylene. It has now been found that the presence of additional carboxylic acid (eg 2ethylhexanoic acid) makes the catalyst more active and more selective. US 6,903,042, IFP, Rueil Malmaison, France, 7 Jun 2005
Production of improved SAPO-34 SAPO-34 is a well-known catalyst for the methanol-to-olefins process. It can be made from a variety of raw materials such as tetra-ethyl orthosilicate, phosphoric acid, and alumina. It has been conventional to use also a surfactant as a structuredirecting agent. It has now been found that superior, non-aggregated products of smaller crystal size are produced if the surfactant is omitted. US 6,903,240, ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc, Houston, TX, USA, 7 Jun 2005
BOOKSHELF Metathesis polymerization Has chapters on ADMET (acyclic diene metathesis), liquid crystal polymers, and regioselective polymerization of 1-alkynes. M Buchmeiser (Ed), 2005, Advances in Polymer Science, Vol 176, Springer Verlag, Berlin, ISBN 3-54023358-X, 142 pp, $139
Interfacial Catalysis A very mixed bag, with contributions from 11 countries, some of them being highly mathematical. Topics covered include phase-transfer catalysis, micellar catalysis, interfacial bio-catalysis, and membrane catalysis. AG Volkov (Ed), 2003, Marcel Dekker, New York, ISBN 0-8247-0839-3, 674 pp, $230
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