New Patents: July 1992
Journal Archive
New Patents: July 1992
METALS AND ALLOYS
Sintered Ceramic Matrix-Metal Composite
johnson matthey p.l.c. British Appl. 2,245,557A
A compacted and sintered material consists of a matrix of ceramic grains of 0.5–1 µ m in size, dispersed in which are 2-1000 nm particles of Pt, Pd, Ru, Mo, W or a mixture of these. The material has improved toughness and crack resistance, significant catalytic activity even though the metal is not exposed, and is used for cutting tools, catalysts, and components for internal combustion engines, for example cylinder liners and heads.
ELECTROCHEMISTRY
Low Overvoltage Cathodes for ChlorAlkali Cells
dow chemical co. U.S. Patent 5,066,380
Electrolytic cathodes for chlor-alkali cells are manufactured by contacting a metal substrate with a solution of pH <2.8 containing Ru, Rh, Ir, Os and/or Pt ions, especially Ru ions, and Pd ions. The Pd promotes enhanced deposition of the electrocatalytic metal, by non-electrolytic reduction, to give a mixture of the metal and Pd in hard, continuous non-dendritic form. The cathodes obtained have low over-voltage, tightly adherent coatings and improved electrocatalyst loading.
ELECTRODEPOSITION AND SURFACE COATINGS
Platinum Plating or Electroforming Bath
electroplating eng. European Appl. 465,073A
A plating bath consists of 2-100 g/l Pt from at least one Pt compound, 20-100 g/l alkali metal hydroxide, a compound selected from soluble carboxylates, phosphates and sulphates, and an alloying metal salt of Pd, Ir, Ru, Au or Ag. The bath is used for electroplating or electroforming at 65°C or more, at 1-3 A/dm2, to give products of not more than 50 µm and at least 10µm thickness, respectively. Materials with high hardness, thickness and therefore improved corrosion and scratch resistance are obtained.
Rhodium Plated Copper Laminated Layered Plate for Slip Rings
nippon avionics k.k. Japanese Appl. 3/223,486
A Cu laminated layered plate consisting of a base material, a resin insulating layer, and a Cu foil, is wet plated with Cu, Ni and Au, and then plated with Rh to give a 1.0-2.5 µm thick layer. Preferably soft etching using ammonium persulphate is effected between the Cu, Ni and Au plating steps.
Pore-Free Precious Metal Coating for Electrodes
tanara kikinzoku kogyo Japanese Appl. 3/285,091
A Ti, Ta, Nb or precious metal electrode base is coated with an organo-Pt, organo-Ir or organo-Ru ink containing 1–100 wt.% of an organometallic resinate, 50 wt.% or less of resin and 80 wt.% or less of an organic solvent, followed by drying and firing. The method provides electrodes coated with a thin film of precious metal at a thickness of 0.5–1.5 µm.
Electroless Plating of Palladium-Silver Alloy Film
ebara corp. Japanese Appl. 3/287,781
A Pd-Ag alloy film is precipitated on a catalytically active carrier from a plating bath containing 0.001–0.500 mol/1 (total) of Pdand Ag salts, 0.01–50 mol/1 (total) of NH3 and/or an amine compound, 0.0005–0.5000 mol/1 of hydrazine and/or a hydrazinium salt as the reducing agent, and 0.001–10 mol/1 of aminopolyhydric acetic acid and/or its salt as the chelating agent.
Electrolytic Deposition of a Palladium-Nickel Alloy Contact Layer
kontakt spezial gor. East German Patent 292,596
A Pd-Ni alloy contact layer is deposited from an electroplating bath containing 10–15 g/l Pd and 5–10 g/l Ni as salts, preferably in ammonia solution, and 0.01–1.0 g/l of a polyfunctional 5-membered heterocyclic compound, added as an aqueous solution.
APPARATUS AND TECHNIQUE
Electrochemical Sensor for Monitoring Zirconium Alloy Corrosion
hitachi k.k. Japanese Appl. 3/218,452
An electrochemical sensor for monitoring the corrosion of Zr alloy has a Zr alloy sample electrode, a membrane coated Ag-Ag chloride reference electrode, and a Pt counter electrode, all sealed in a ceramic mould, within a corrosion resistant stainless steel casing. The corrosion of Zr alloy in service is surmised from that of the sample alloy, and measurement of the corrosion current detects the state of deterioration of the environmental water quality.
High Durability Corrosion Sensor with Zinc-Platinum Galvanic Pair
nissan motor k.k. Japanese Appl. 3/242,546
A sensor for monitoring corrosion rate for carrying out an accurate corrosion test consists of a Zn-Pt galvanic pair and a mechanism for removing Zn corrosion products to prevent deterioration of the galvanic pair. This gives a large signal level, and lowering of the signal by deposition of corrosion products can be prevented.
JOINING
Improved Soldering Material for Electronic Parts
kyocera corp. Japanese Appl. 3/248,796
A soldering material consists of Au, 0.1–15.0 wt.% In, and 0.1–5.0 wt.% of at least one of Pd, Rh, Co and Cr; with preferred materials containing 0.5–1.0 wt.% In and 0.1–1.0 wt.% Pd. The solder material has improved soldering strength (14.0 kg or higher), improved corrosion resistance, is free from electromigration, and is used for soldering outer leads.
HETEROGENEOUS CATALYSIS
Platinum Catalysts for Conversion of n-Butane to Isobutene
eniricerche s.p.a. British Appl. 2,246,524A
Catalysts for production of isobutene by dehydroisomerisation of n-butane consist of 0.1–1 wt.% Pt, 0.1–1 wt.% In and/or 0.05–1 wt.% Sn, and 0.5–5 wt.% SiO2 deposited on the surface of a porous granular γ-Al2O3 support having specified physical characteristics. The catalysts, used alone or in combination with SiO2-Al2O3 or Boralite B catalysts, give high yields of the product: for example 45–59% conversion with 20–25% selectivity for isobutene.
New Catalysts for Denitration of Vehicle Exhaust
sakai chemical ind. k.k. European Appl. 455,491A
New denitration catalysts consist of 0.1–10 wt.% Pt, Pd, Rh, Ru and/or Ag or their oxides supported on TiO2, or a rare earth metal oxide plus TiO2, Al2O3, ZrO2 and/or SiO2 and Pt, Pd, Rh, Ru and/or Ag or their oxides. Other forms of the catalyst are based on zeolites or perovskites. The catalysts are used to remove NOx from vehicle exhaust gases in the presence of a hydrocarbon reduction agent, and with O2, avoiding use of NH3 as reductant.
Single Step Production of Methyl Isobutyl Ketone
mitsubishi kasei corp. European Appl. 458,216A
Methyl isobutyl ketone is produced by contacting acetone and H2 with a catalyst of Pd/C, Pd/Al2O3, Pd black or Pd supported on a metal oxide and/or hydroxide treated with an organosilicon compound. Methyl isobutyl ketone is used as an organic solvent, and is produced in good yield.
Palladium-Tellurium Catalyst for Preparation of Dialkoxybutenes
rhone-poulenc chim. European Appl. 462,031A
A new method for preparation of dialkoxybutenes is by reaction of 1,3-butadiene with an alcohol in the presence of O2 and a catalyst consisting of at least one of Pt, Pd or Rh, particularly Pd, and at least one of Te, Se and/or S, preferably Te, optionally combined with Cu, Sb and/or Sn, on a support.
Method for Minimising Emissions from Methane Fuelled Engines
general motors corp. European Appl. 468,556A
A method for reducing the exhaust from CH4 fuelled engines involves controlling the composition of the CH4 containing fuel-air mixture to within the range 0.99–1.02, and contacting the combustion products in the exhaust gas with a catalyst consisting of 2–3 parts Pt and one part Pd dispersed as fine particles on an Al2O3-based carrier. This method minimises emissions of CH4, hydrocarbons, CO and NOx.
Stable Ruthenium Catalyst for Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis
uop U.S. Patent 5,059,574
A catalyst for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis of C3 + hydrocarbons from H2 and CO consists of 0.3–6.0 wt.% Ru present as particles of 40–60 Å and 0.1–5.0 wt.% of a modifier selected from Al, Si, Pb, As and Bi, preferably Si, on an inorganic oxide support, preferablyof Al2O3 or TiO2. The catalyst has modified conversion activity for the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, but good selectivity and stability.
Palladium Catalyst for Methylpyridine Production
standard oil co. (ohio) U.S. Patent 5,066,809
A process for the production of 3-methylpyridine involves contacting 2-methylglutaronitrile with H2 and a catalyst containing Pd promoted with at least one of Cr, W, Ni. Co and Ge, on a support preferably containing 0–30 wt.% SiO2 and 100–70 wt.% Al2O3. The catalyst gives high yields, for example 78% yield at 100% conversion.
Catalytic Production of Synthesis Gas from Hydrocarbons
EASTMAN KODAK Co. U.S. Patent 5,068,057
Synthesis gas with an H2:CO molar ratio of 1:1.5–2:1 is produced by contacting an anhydrous mixture of CO2 and one or more hydrocarbons with a fixed catalyst bed of Pt or Pd on Al2O3 or SiO2-Al2O3, at 650–1000°C. The reaction proceeds smoothly with no apparent loss of catalyst activity, and the process gives higher CO:H2 ratios than conventional steam reforming, so the synthesis gas is suitable for hydroformylation or carbonylation.
Platinum-Gallium Catalyst for Isomerisation of Xylenes
uop U.S. Patent 5,081,084
A catalyst for isomerisation of alkyl aromatic hydrocarbons consists of a Pt group metal, especially 0.1–1.0 wt.% Pt, optionally 0.05–0.5 wt.% S, a Ga substituted pentasil zeolite containing 0.1–10 wt.% Ga, and an Al2O3 matrix. The catalyst is used for isomerisation of xylenes containing ethylbenzene, by contact in the presence of H2 at 300–500°C and 69–6895 kPa, and gives an optimised yield of paraxylene without the high loss of C8 aromatics.
Preparation of Biphenyltetracarboxylic Acid in High Yield
du pont de nemours co. U.S. Patent 5,081,291
3,3',4,4'-Biphenyltetracarboxylic acid is prepared from an alkaline solution of the Na or K salt of 4-bromophthalic acid, at 50–150°C, using hydroxylamine, and in the presence of a 1–10 wt.% Pd/C catalyst. The process uses less than one tenth of the catalyst required in prior art processes, and gives a high yield of the product which is used as a starting material for heat resistant polyimide resins.
Palladium Catalyst for Removal of Nitrogen Oxides from Exhaust Gas
agency of ind. sci. tech. Japanese Appl. 3/221,143
A catalyst for NOx removal consists of Pd supported on an oxide support containing > 5 wt.% Mg, for example MgO. The catalyst can decompose NOx into N2 and O2 without using a reducing agent and is used for efficient removal of NOx from combustion exhaust gas from diesel engines and boilers.
Three-Way Catalyst with Separate Rhodium and Platinum Layers
nissan motor k.k. Japanese Appl. 3/232,531
A catalyst for purification of internal combustion engine exhaust gas consists of a honeycomb support, a first layer containing Pt and/or Pd, and a second layer containing a mixture of Rh black of < 1000 Å particle diameter and a metal oxide-preferably Al2O3, optionally mixed with ZrO2, TiO2 or a rare earth element oxide. The catalyst removes hydrocarbons, CO and NOx from the exhaust gas, and has less deterioration in activity at high temperature by inhibiting formation of a solid solution of Rh and Al2O3.
Palladium Catalyst for Production of Diphenylethane Derivatives
mitsubishi kasei corp. Japanese Appl. 3/232,825
1,2-Diphenylethane derivatives are produced by catalytic hydrogenation of benzoyl derivatives suchas benzoin or 4,4'- dimethylbenzoin at 0–200°C, in the presence of a Pd catalyst such as 5% Pd/C, 1% Pd/C or 2% Pd/Al2O3, in an organic solvent. The products are produced under mild conditions, at the usual temperature, under atmospheric pressure, and are useful as intermediates for ethanone oximes as antiulcer agents.
Ruthenium Catalyst for Coal Liquefaction
agency of ind. sci. tech. Japanese Appl. 3/242,243
Coal liquefaction using H2 gas is carried out in the presence of a solvent and a Ru catalyst. In an example the catalyst was prepared by impregnating FeS2 with Ru trichloride at 120°C, to give a catalyst containing 0.013 wt.% Ru. This method uses a small amount of catalyst, gives improved efficiency coal liquefaction, and uses moderate reaction conditions.
Aromatic Hydrocarbon Production Using Crystalline Platinum-Gallosilicate Catalyst
nippon mining k.k. Japanese Appl. 3/262,539
Aromatic hydrocarbons are produced from 2–7C aliphatic and/or alicyclic hydrocarbons by contacting with a crystalline gallosilicate catalyst containing Pt. The catalyst is prepared by maintaining a solution of Si, Ga and Pt compounds and an alkali metal salt at a pH of 9–12 and 100–200°C, for 3–200 h. Using the catalyst, higher conversion and selectivity can be obtained.
Combustion Catalyst with Several Catalytic Layers
babcock-hitachi k.k. Japanese Appl. 3/275,140
A combustion catalyst consists of a support with at least three layers of Pd and/or Pt loaded catalysts placed along the flow direction of the combustion gas. Higher activity can be obtained by replacing pan of the Pt catalysts with less expensive Pd catalysts. The combustion catalyst is used to combust methane- or propane-containing fuel in hydrocarbon gas com-bustors, or to remove CO, hydrocarbons, ethyl acetate or aldehyde from car exhaust.
Palladium Catalyst for Preparation of Unsaturated Diesters
tosoh corp. Japanese Appls. 3/275,141 and 3/279,349
A Pd catalyst is used to prepare an unsaturated diester from a conjugated diene, a carboxylic acid, O2, and optionally an organic halogen compound, at 140–210°C, under ordinaryor elevated pressure. The catalyst contains Pd, Sb, V, a metal carboxylate and a metal halide, and isoptionally prepared by treating a silicic acid support and the catalyst metal with tartaric acid and HCI solution, then reducing.
Alloy Catalyst with Varied Uses
yoshida kogyo k.k. Japanese Appl. 3/275,144
An amorphous alloy containing Zr or Ti; Fe, Co, Cu or AI; and Pt or Pd is thermally treated in an oxidising atmosphere at three temperature steps to form an alloy catalyst, useful for catalytic combustion of H2, reduction of NOx and SOx, or decomposition of fluorocarbons. In an example, a Zr6CO30Pd3 amorphous alloy is thermally treated at 250°C for 64 h, 300°C for 170 h, and 700°C for 2 h to form a crystalline alloy catalyst.
Rhodium Catalyst System for Preparation of N,N-Dimethylacetamide
mitsubishi gas chem k.k. Japanese Appl. 3/275,656
N,N-Dimethylacetamide is prepared by reaction of trimethylamine with CO in the presence of a catalyst consisting of elemental Rh and elemental I and/or Br, with an at. ratio of I or Br:Rh of 0.1–100. The product is obtained with high selectivity (77.7–89 mol %), at a good reaction rate, under reduced pressure.
HOMOGENEOUS CATALYSIS
Palladium Catalyst System for Thiolester Preparation
shell int. res. mij. b.v. British Appl. 2,246,130A
A thiolester is prepared from an olefinically unsaturated compound, CO and a primary thiol in the presence of a catalyst system consisting of a source of Pd cations, a phosphine having a defined measure of basicity, and a protonic acid. Primary thiols have not previously been reactive in this type of reaction, but using this method a good reaction rate and high selectivity to the thiolester are obtained.
High Yield Production of High Purity Aniline
mitsui toatsu chem. inc. European Appl. 458,006A
Aniline is prepared continuously by hydrogenation of nitrobenzene at 150–250°C underanhydrous conditions, in the presence of a catalyst of Pd or Pd-Pt deposited on a lipophilic C suspended in an aniline solvent, and with a Zn compound and an alkali metal carbonate or bicarbonate as promoters. High purity aniline free of unreacted nitrobenzene is prepared in high yield; and is suitable for methylenedianiline production without further purification.
Osmium Catalyst for Asymmetric Dihydroxylation of Olefins
massachusetts inst. tech. World Appl. 91/16,322A
An asymmetrically dihydroxylated olefin is prepared by combining a polymeric chiral ligand which is an alkaloid or alkaloid derivative, an organic solvent, an aqueous solution, a base, K ferricyanide, adding a small amount of an Os containing catalyst, and adding the olefin for asymmetric addition to occur. The method is used for the production of chiral intermediates for the synthesis of insect hormones and pheromones, and anti-tumour compounds.
Regiospecific Carbonylation Process for Preparing Acyl Compounds
amoco corp. U.S. Patent 5,081,250
Acyl compounds having the carbonyl group ortho to the heterocyclic N atom are prepared from the reaction of a N-containing aromatic heterocyclic compound, an olefin and CO, under carbonylation conditions, and in the presence of a Ru carbonyl compound. The process is highly regioselective, giving acyl compounds of use in the pharmaceutical, agricultural and plating fields.
Palladium Carboxylation Catalyst for Methyl Methacrylate Preparation
shell oil co. U.S. Patent 5,081,286
An alkyl methacrylate is prepared by reacting a propyne feed with CO2 and an alkanol, preferably CH3OH, in the presence of a Pd carboxylation catalyst. The by-product stream from, for example, an ethene cracker is treated to give the propyne feed.
Preparation of SUylamines with Improved Yield
mitsui toatsu chem. inc. Japanese Appl. 3/261,789
Silylamines are prepared from the reaction of amines with hydrosilanes at 0–300°C in the gas or liquid phase, in the presence of Ru and/or Rh halide(s), preferably chlorides, and phosphine(s), for example tributylphosphine or triphenylphosphine.
Palladium Catalyst Composition for Hydrogenation of Unsaturated Croupe
bayer a.g. German Appl. 4,020,689
A Pd-containing catalyst preparation is made by reacting PdX2, where X is CI, Br or O2 CR, with a functional siloxane containing at least one reactive group per molecule. The catalyst preparations are homogeneous, liquid, and are soluble in a polar media. They are very active for hydrogenation of aliphatic unsaturated C bonds, CHO, keto or NO2 groups, and in double bond hydrogenation.
FUEL CELLS
Quaternary Platinum Alloy Electrocatalyst for Acid Fuel Cell
n.e. chemcat corp. European Appl. 469,514A
An electrocatalyst consists of a conductive carrier and a dispersed alloy which is preferably a solid solution having a cubic ordered structure; consisting of 40–70 at.% Pt, 9–27 at.% Co, 9–27 at.% Ni and 9–27 at.% Cu. The electrocatalyst has improved activity and life, and is used in an acid electrolyte fuel cell.
Preparation of High Loading, Noble Metal Alloy Catalysts for Fuel Cells
int. fuel cells World Appl. 91/19,566A
A noble metal alloy catalyst is prepared by precipitating a noble metal compound from solution onto a support, reducing the activity of the precipitate to prevent re-solution, adding a soluble alloying metal compound to the solution, precipitating onto the support, and calcining at 500°C under H2. The noble metals are preferably Pt and Pd. The method gives high loadings, reduced waste, and is used for fuel cell catalysts.
CORROSION PROTECTION
Corrosion Resistant Stainless Steel Containing Palladium
mitsubishi jukogyo European Appl. 458,606A
A Pd-containing austenitic stainless steel for use in a highly acidic, high temperature environment contains 0.004–0.04 wt.% C, 5–7 wt.% Si, up to 2.0 wt.% Mn, 15–25 wt.% Cr, 4–24 wt.% Ni, 0.01–1.07 wt.% Pd, balance Fe, <50 ppm O, and unavoidable impurities of P and S. The steel is for use in absorption towers, pumps and vessels in the H2SO4 industry.
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING
Magnetic Recording Media Having Vertical Magnetisation Films
oki electric ind. k.k. European Appls. 459,411A and 459,413A
Magnetic recording media consist of a substrate and a vertical magnetisation film, where the latter is either (a) an artificial superlattice of alternate layers of Co and Pt or Pd, or (b) an artificial superlattice of alternate Co and Pt layers, and a Pt, Pd or Co thin film alternately deposited on the substrate. The magnetic recording media have high residual flux density, high coercivity and low Curie temperature.
Magneto-Optical Devices with Laminated Film Containing Platinum
sanyo electric k.k. Japanese Appl. 3/224,210
Magneto-optical devices for use in optical isolators, optical shutters or optical memory devices are produced by alternately soaking or contacting a substrate with a solution containing at least a transition metal ion or its reducing agent, and a solution containing at least a Pt ion. The method gives a laminated film of low energy and particle diffusion on the interface.
Magneto-Optical Recording Medium with Improved Rectangular Angle
sumitomo metal ind. k.k. Japanese Appl. 3/230,342
A magneto-optical recording medium that can be over-written consists of a magnetisation film preferably made of Fe, up to 40 at.% Pt, optionally a solid state material excluding Fe and Pt, and unavoidable impurities. The medium has lowered Curie temperature and coefficient of thermal expansion, and lateral Kerr effect.
Conductive Paste Composition for Filling Via Holes
sun wave ind. k.k. Japanese Appl. 3/250,068
A conductive paste composition consists of (a) 80–90 wt.% Pd solder and 10–20 wt.% organic vehicle, or (b) 30–80 wt.% Ni solder, 5–50 wt.% Ag, 5–15 wt.% Co-W carbide and 10–20 wt.% organic vehicle. The composition is useful for electrically bonding conductive materials without the use of lead wire or wire bonding, prevents oxidation, has good adhesion, and is stable up to 850°C.
Electric Switch Contact Element Containing Palladium
siemens a.g. German Appl. 4,013,627
A contact element consists of a non-porous metal support having a 2-6 µm thick Pd-containing deposit, which has an at least 0.1 µm thick Pd-Au or Pd-Ag alloy outer layer with an Au or Ag content of 40–90 wt.%. The contact element is used for an electric switch contact, especially for electromagnetic relays.
Nucleation Process for Partial Currentless Metallisation
elektro nik-eb-g. m.b.h. East German Patent 292,444
In partial currentless metallisation, the lacquer structure of dielectric or non-catalytically working surfaces is dissolved and nucleation with Pd or Ag atoms with an atom concentration of at least 0.1 mg/dm2 is effected. The Pd or Ag atomic structure left on the surface is metallised using chemically reductive baths to give a multi-layer arrangement completely enclosing the contact layer system. The method is used for production of microcircuits for chip structures.
TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT
Thermocouple Assembly for Metallurgical Vessel
vesuvius crucible c. U.S. Patent 5,071,258
A thermocouple assembly for sensing the temperature of molten metals in a metallurgical vessel includes a double bore insulator containing the 2 noble metal alloy lead wires of the thermocouple, preferably Pt-Rh alloys. O2 is able to diffuse along the bores of the double bore insulator to protect the Pt alloy from reaction with C and silica which may be present in trace amounts. The assembly can be used as a tundish in continuous steel casting, and helps to avoid e.m.f. drift.
Temperature Sensor with Platinum Alloy Flange
uchu kaihatsu jigyo Japanese Appl. 3/239,932
A temperature sensor consists of a rod-shaped wound frame having a cap-shaped Pt alloy flange fitted at one end, which is fitted inside a connecting metal fitting, and bonded with a soldering material. The ceramics wound frame can be bonded with the connecting metal fitting, and the difference in elongation created at high temperature can be absorbed by the Pt alloy flange, so that the cable is not broken.
MEDICAL USES
New Platinum Double Nuclear Complexes Useful as Anti-Oncotic Agents
sankyo k.k. Japanese Appl. 3/271,297
Tetra-co-ordinated divalent Pt double nuclear complexes are new, for example cis -(trans-(l)-l,2-diaminocyclohexane) Pt(II)-N-(cis -diammine-hydroxy Pt(II))-azetidine-2-one-4,4-dicarboxylate. The complexes have high anti-oncotic action so are useful as anti-oncotic agents, and have reduced side effects such as nephrotoxicity or marrow depression.
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