NEW PATENTS: October 1979
Journal Archive
NEW PATENTS: October 1979
METALS AND ALLOYS
Nickel-Palladium Brazing Alloy
western gold & platinum co. U.S. Patent 4,149,881
A brazing alloy which can be used as a cheaper alternative to 82Au−18Ni alloys contains 17−44% (36%) Pd, 4−11% (11%) Cr, 1−4% (2.2%) Si, 1.5−4% (2.1%) B and the balance (48.7%) Ni, and has a brazing temperature of about 1800°F. The preferred composition is given in brackets.
ELECTROCHEMISTRY
Electrode for Electrolytic Cell
esb international corp. British Appl. 2,009,491 A
A composite electrode, particularly for use in lead-acid batteries, has a porous body of Ti infiltrated with a metal and an outer layer of an electroconductive metal oxide to prevent electrolyte access to the electrode interior. The pores can be filled with Ru, Pb, Sn, Sb or Mn.
Long-Life Brine Electrolysis Electrodes
hoechst a.g. U.S. Patent 4,140,813
The electrodes are prepared by flame or plasma spraying Ti oxide on to an inert substrate (such as Ti or a Ti alloy) and thermally decomposing a compound to deposit platinum group metal or metal oxide (such as Ru and/or IrO2) on to the rutile Ti oxide coating.
ELECTRODEPOSITION AND SURFACE COATINGS
Intermetallic Cladding of Superalloys
johnson matthey & co. ltd. British Appl. 2,005,729 A
Metallic substrates, particularly turbine blades, are coated with an intermetallic compound having the formula AxBy, where A is Be, Al, Sc, Y, a lanthanide metal, Si, Ti, Zr, Hf, Th, V, Nb or Ta; B is Pt, Pd, Rh, Ir or Ru and x and y are integers between 1 and 5. The coatings are applied by pack diffusion, chemical vapour deposition, sputtering, electroless deposition, or by electrolysis. The thickness of the coating is preferably between 2 and 15 microns.
LABORATORY APPARATUS AND TECHNIQUE
Solid Electrolyte Oxygen Sensor
westinghouse electric corp. U.S. Patent 4,134,818
A sensor consists of a high temperature solid electrolyte electrolytic cell, and a temperature sensor for monitoring temperature changes resulting from catalytic combustion at the cell electrodes. The electrodes are preferably of Pt, but can also be of Pd or Ru.
Photoelectric Apparatus for Water Splitting
purdue research foundation U.S. Patent 4,140,591
The efficiency of a photoelectric cell, for H2 production, having a substrate carrying a Pt black layer and an upper layer of chlorophyll and dihydrate polycrystals, is increased by depositing a second layer of Pt black on top of the chlorophyll dihydrate layer.
JOINING
Thermoplastic Braze Paste
johnson matthey & co. ltd. British Appl. 2,004,489 A
The storage life and application properties of brazing alloy pastes is improved if the brazing alloy powder is mixed with a thermoplastic material (such as a resin-wax mixture). The composition can also optionally contain flux. The addition of a thermosetting material, such as a phenol- or urea-formaldehyde resin, improves adhesion of the brazing paste to the joint. Conventional Pd, Au and Ag brazing alloy compositions are used in the pastes.
HETEROGENEOUS CATALYSIS
Foamable Siloxanes
dow corning corp. British Patent 1,543,215
Non-toxic, fire retardant foams are prepared from organo-hydrogen siloxanes containing alkyl, phenyl or 3, 3, 3-trifluoropropyl radicals and a Rh complex catalyst.
Methane Preparation
texaco development corp. British Patent 1,544,730
Methane can be prepared by the selective conversion of hydrocarbons (heptane, hexane, butane, benzene or methylcyclo-propane) using, as the catalyst, a finely divided high surface area substrate impregnated with 0.01−99.99% of a platinum group metal and 99.99−0.01% of an iron group metal, preferably Fe, Co or Ni.
Multimetallic Catalytic Composite
u.o.p. inc. British Appl. 2,004,764 A
Superactive catalysts for use in hydrogenation—dehydrogenation reactions are formed from a pyrolysed Re carbonyl component and a platinum group metal-impregnated porous carrier which preferably also contains a halogen component. Other metal components, including Ag, Au and the lanthanide metals, can be incorporated into the carrier.
Electric Cells
united kingdom atomic energy authority British Appl. 2,006,514 A
Contaminants in an electrolyte are catalytically converted to an acceptable form. In a Ni oxide-H2 cell, dissolved O2 is catalytically converted to water or hydroxyl ions by means of a Pt screen.
Catalytic Oxidation of Ammonia
johnson matthey & co. ltd. British Appl. 2,009,120 A
Ammonia can be oxidised by passing it, mixed with air, through catalyst particles at a flowrate which forms the particles into a fluid bed. Platinum group metal catalysts, particularly Pt-containing intermetallics, for instance Pt3Zr, are preferred catalysts. The NH3 oxidation process is used for HNO3 production.
Removing Oxygen and Water Impurities from Hydrogen
billings energy corp. British Appl. 2,011,365 A
O2 and water impurities are removed from H2, which is to be stored in tanks containing hydrideforming alloys, by passing the gas through a catalyst bed, for instance containing a platinum group metal or a lanthanide in combination with other catalytic metals (where O2 and H2 are converted to water) and then adsorbing water from the gas stream. Upon release of the H2 from the hydride forming metal alloy, it passes back through the adsorbent, thereby cleansing the adsorbent of water impurities.
Metal Fluorides and Oxyfluorides
exxon research & engineering co. British Appl. 2,012,256 A
Metal fluorides and oxyfluorides for catalytic and other uses are produced by reacting a metal oxide with a fluorohydrocarbon. The metals listed include Rh, Ir, Os, Ru, Ag, Eu, Lu, Nd and La.
Hydrocarbon Dehydrogenation Catalyst
u.o.p. inc. U.S. Patent 4,131,628
Greater catalyst selectivity can be obtained using a non-acidic composition containing 0.01−2% platinum metal (Pt), 0.01−2% Re, 0.05−5% Co, 0.01−5% Sn and 0.1−5% Group IA or IIA metal supported on a porous carrier. The Pt, Re, Co are present in the elemental state under dehydrogenation conditions and the Sn as an oxide and the average crystallite size of the Re and Co is less than 100Å.
Methanation Catalyst
american gas association U.S. Patent 4,132,672
The activity and S-resistance of supported Ni catalysts, used in methanation processes, is increased when a small amount (0.1−1.0%) of Ir is incorporated in the catalyst.
Platinum Catalyst
united technologies corp. U.S. Patent 4,137,373
The rate of Pt recrystallisation of Pt-C catalysts used in phosphoric acid electrolyte fuel cells is reduced and its activity increased by depositing porous C on and around the crystallites and then heating the catalyst in an inert atmosphere or vacuum at a high temperature.
Isomerisation Process
rhone-poulenc s.a. U.S. Patent 4,138,411
Aromatic alkenyl compound isomerisation, particularly of eugenol and safrole to isoeugenol and isosafrole, is carried out with an Os or Ru catalyst.
Hydrogenation of Naphthene Hydrocarbons
u.o.p. inc. U.S. Patent 4,139,570
Non-acidic catalysts for the dehydrogenation of naphthene hydrocarbons contain 0.01−2% of a platinum group metal (Pt), 0.05−5% Co and 0.01−5% Bi on a porous carrier.
Increasing the Isobutane Content of a Hydrocarbon Cut
institut francais du petrole U.S. Patent 4,140,621
An olefinic 4C cut containing both butane and isobutane is subjected to selective hydrogenolysis in the presence of a Rh catalyst supported on a specific Al2O3 carrier so that the butane is selectively converted to ethane and propane, while isobutane is preserved or is formed.
Hydrocarbon Conversion Catalyst
exxon research & engineering co. U.S. Patent 4,141,817
Stable catalysts for use in high temperature oxidation applications consist of a Group VIII metal, preferably Ir, in combination with a Group IIA metal oxide (Ca, Ba or Sr oxide) supported on a non-acidic refractory oxide support.
Transition Metal Catalysts
research council of alberta U.S. Patent 4,142,993
NH3 synthesis catalysts are prepared by doping an activated C support with a series of solutions. These solutions contain a Group IIA metal, a Group VIII metal, preferably Ru, a Group IA metal and optionally a lanthanide metal and/or a Group IIIA metal salt. Preferred catalysts contain Ru, Ba, La and K.
Mo and W Bronzes for NOx Decomposition
johnson matthey & co. ltd. U.S. Patent 4,143,120
A NOx reduction catalyst, for use with CO and hydrocarbon containing gas and air streams, is formed from a mixture of Pt and a bronze having the formula HxWOy, where x is less than 0.5 and y is between 2 and 3. A preferred bronze has the formula H0·46WO2·8. The body of the specification discloses the use of a wider range of bronzes having the formulae AxBOy and CxD3O4, where A is Group IA, IIA and lanthanide metals, Ba, Pb, Tl, Ni, Cu, NH4, Ag and H, B is Pt, Ti, V, Nb, Mo, Ta, W or Re, C is Na, Mg, Ni, Ca, Cd or Sr and D is Pd or Pt and x is between o and 2 and y between 2 and 3, not necessarily in admixture with Pt.
Rhodium-Cobalt Carbonyl Cluster Hydroformylation Catalysts
dow chemical co. U.S. Patent 4,144,191
Rh-Co carbonyl bimetallic cluster catalysts loaded on to an amine resin support are highly selective catalysts for converting olefins to alcohols using a one step oxo-hydroformylation process. A preferred bimetallic cluster has the formula RhxCoyCO12, where x and y are integers 1–3.
Platinum Group Metal Catalysts
exxon research & engineering co. U.S. Patent 4,145,314
Highly dispersed platinum group metal catalysts are prepared by the redispersion of sintered or agglomerated supported Group VIII-P intermediate catalytic materials, by heat treatment in an inert atmosphere at a temperature preferably between 630 and 700°C, followed by decomposition of the compounds by heat treatment in air.
Shutdown Operation of a Catalytic Cracker
mobil oil corp. U.S. Patent 4,146,464
A platinum group metal or Re combustion promoter is introduced into the circulating inventory of catalyst in a cracking process to temporarily change the operating mode of the generator and reduce the CO content of the flue gas, thus permitting temporary shutdown of the CO boiler and CO incinerator, while continuing the catalytic cracking process.
Acidic Multimetallic Catalyst for Hydrocarbon Conversion
u.o.p. inc. U.S. Patent 4,149,961
Acidic catalysts particularly suitable for increasing the octane rating of petroleum contain 0.01−2% Pt or Pd, 0.01−2% Rh, 0.01−1.0% In and 0.1−3.5% of a halogen. The noble metals are present as metals and the In in an oxidation state above that of the elemental metal.
Silylhydrocarbyl Phosphine Transition Metal Complex Catalysts
exxon research & engineering co. U.S. Patent 4,151,114
A novel method of anchoring transition metal phosphine complexes (such as Rh and Ni complexes) to SiO2 bases is described in which a reactive silane group and the complex-forming phosphine group are chemically linked via a divalent hydrocarbon radical. The bridged sila-phosphines are then anchored and complexed with the transition metal.
HOMOGENEOUS CATALYSIS
Dihydroxy Phospholane Oxides
bayer a.g. British Patent 1,548,317
3,4-Dihydroxyphospholane oxides, used as catalysts for the conversion of isocyanates to carbodiimides, are prepared by reacting phospholene oxide derivatives with H2O2 in the presence of Os compounds as catalyst. K osmate and OsO4 are used in the examples.
Catalyst for Polyhydric Alcohol Synthesis
union carbide corp. British Appl. 2,004,867 A
A novel Rh carbonyl carbide cluster compound is particularly effective for the production of ethylene glycol from synthesis gas when used in association with certain alkali metal cations. A preferred cluster catalyst has the formula Cs2(Rh6(CO)15C).
Catalyst for Polyhydric Alcohol Production
union carbide corp. British Appl. 2,006,202 A
Rh carbonyl sulphur catalysts show good stability when used for the production of ethylene glycol from mixtures of H2 and C oxides.
Ruthenium Promoter for Ethanol Production
gulf research & development co. U.S. Patent 4,133,966
In the selective formation of ethanol from methanol, H2 and CO in the presence of a catalyst system containing cobalt acetyl-acetonate and a Group VA tertiary organic compound, I and a Ru compound are used as promoters.
Manufacture of Vinyl Acetic Acid
hoechst a.g. U.S. Patent 4,140,865
Vinyl acetic acid and optionally gammabutyrolactone are prepared economically, in good yield, by reacting oxygen-containing allyl compounds (allyl acetate, propionate and isobutyrate) with CO in the presence of a heavy metal catalyst, preferably RhCl3.H2O, Ni(CO)4 and PdI2.
Exchange Resin-Metal Complex Catalyst
mobil oil corp. U.S. Patent 4,145,486
Complexes formed by contacting a weak base anion exchange resin with a solution of coordination compound having two ligands connected to one central metal atom, to replace one ligand with the resin, are effective catalysts for hydrogenation, polymerisation, etc. Preferred metal complexes contain Pt, Pd, Rh, Sn and Ni.
Rhodium Oxidation Catalyst
institut francais du petrole French Appl. 2,395,244
Unsaturated ethers are prepared by the oxidation of olefins in the presence of an alcohol using as catalyst a combination of MLmXn and M′L′,qZp where M is Rh, M′ is Fe, Cu, Co or Ni, X and Z are anionic groups, L and L′ are each water or an organic ligand, such as an olefin, n is 1-3, m is 1-3 or 6, or is o, p is 1-3 and q is o or 1-6.
FUEL CELLS
Fuel Cells
united technologies corp. British Appl. 2,011,155 A
A regenerative fuel cell operated with H2 and Cl2 uses an anhydrous electrolyte or a molten salt having a low vapour pressure, to avoid corrosive action of the Cl2. Hydrogen electrodes used in the cell are coated with a catalyst layer which is preferably Pt, and chlorine electrodes are coated with a catalyst layer which is preferably RuO2.
Fuel Cell Electrode
u.s. secretary of the army U.S. Patent 4,141,801
A fuel cell anode for use in methanol-air and ethylene glycol-air fuel cells, having reduced catalyst loading, is prepared by pressing a paste mix containing a platinum group metal (Pt or Pd) powder, graphite and Teflon on to a collector grid, drying and cathodically charging the anode using a saturated Pb chloride electrolyte to deposit Pb, and then anodically charging to convert the Pb coating to Pb oxide.
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING
Intermetallic Electrode Materials
johnson matthey & co. ltd. British Appl. 2,005,649 A
Igniter electrodes for use in I.C.E., gas turbines and jet engines, having improved erosion resistance, have working surfaces formed from an intermetallic compound of general formula AxBy, where A is Be, Al, Sc, Y, a lanthanide metal, Si, Ti, Zr, Hf, Th, V, Nb or Ta, B is Pt, Pd, Rh, Ir or Ru, and x and y are between 1 and 5. Ta-Rh, Ta-Ir, Nb-Rh and Nb-Ir are preferred combinations, being unusually ductile.
Pressure Sensitive Resistance Elements
shin-etsu polymer co. ltd. U.S. Patent 4,145,317
Pressure sensitive resistance elements are prepared from a rubbery elastomer matrix having conductive particles (Pt, Au, Ag, Fe, Cu, Cr, etc.) distributed throughout the matrix in a graduated manner. The materials are prepared by allowing evenly distributed particles to settle while the elastomer is cured.
TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT
Resistance Thermometers
johnson matthey & co. ltd. British Patent 1,546,091
A temperature sensitive element as described in British Patent 1,415,644 is used on a hollow tubular or solid cylindrical substrate in the form of a conducting tortile path to form a resistance thermometer. The resistive material, consisting of a fused vitreous material loaded with electrically conducting particles, preferably Pt particles, is screen printed on to the substrate.
Reduction Resistant Glazes
johnson matthey & co. ltd. British Appl. 2,006,521 A
Known high temperature resistance thermometers tend to lose their accuracy when encased in a stainless steel tube. This defect is now avoided by using a vitreous phase resistant to chemical reduction to bind noble metal conductive particles in paths on an Al2O3 substrate. If the conductive paths are covered with a glaze this also must be chemically resistant to reductive gases.
MEDICAL USES
Reduced Gold Dental Alloy
johnson matthey & co. ltd. British Patent 1,545,054
Dental alloys for restorative applications contain, by weight: Au 25−42%, Ag 5−22%, Pd 45−62%, Ga up to 5%, In up to 2%, and Sn 0−1%. A preferred alloy contains Au 34%, Ag 10%, Pd 50%, Ga 3.72%, In 1.5% and Sn 0.78%.
Cycloalkylamine Complexes of Pt(IV)
johnson matthey & co. ltd. British Appl. 2,006,213 A
New agents for the treatment of malignant growths have the composition trans- Z2 cis A2PtXY in which the A groups are the same or different alicyclic amines, X and Y are halogenoid and the Z groups are OH or halogenoid.
4-Carboxyphthalato-(1,2 diamino-eyclohexane)-Platinum (II)
u.s. department of health, education and welfare U.S. Patent 4,137,248
Anti-leukemic 4-carboxyphthalato-(1,2 diamino-cyclohexane)-Pt(II) is prepared by reacting dichloro-(1,2 diamino-cyclohexane)-Pt(II) with AgNO3 to replace chloro with nitro.