Journal Archive

Platinum Metals Rev., 1993, 37, (3), 176

New Patents: July 1993



METALS AND ALLOYS

Palladium-Containing Austenitic Stainless Steel

mitsubishi jukogyo European Appl . 458,606A

A Pd-containing austenitic stainless steel, for use in contact with concentrated H2SO4 at high temperature, comprises by wt.%: ≤ 0.004-0.04 C, 5–7 Si, ≤ 2.0 Mn, 15–25 Cr, 4–24 Ni, 0.01-1.07 Pd and the balance Fe. Unavoidable P and S impurities may be present in maximum amounts of 0.03 wt. % and 0.014 wt.%, respectively. The O content must be < 50 ppm, with the sum of S and O content not exceeding 150 ppm. The Pd-containing steel is used in absorption and cooling towers, pumps and vessels in the H2SO4 industry.

Ruthenium-Aluminium Intermetallic Compound

general electric co. U.S. Patent 5,152,853

An imermetallic compound of Ru and Al comprises (in at.%): 40–51 Al, 0.8-9 Sc and B, balance Ru. It has a high temperature hardness at ≤ 1150°C and good room temperature toughness, comparable to that of Ti-24Al-llNb alloy. It can be prepared by arc or induction melting, and by powder metallurgy methods. The compound can be used for high temperature applications, in jet engine components, and applications requiring a light weight and retention of good elevated temperature strength.

Palladium-Iron Electroresistive Alloy

denki jiki zairyo kenkyusho Japanese Appl . 4/235,233

A Pd-Fe alloy comprises by atomic wt.% 50–95 Pd, 5-–50 Fe, 0.01-20 Mn, and small amounts of impurities, and has a temperature coefficient of resistance between room temperature and 200°C of ≥ 3000 x 10-6/°C The alloy has a thermal output performance factor of ~23 times higher than that obtained with pure Pt.

CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS

Substituted Xanthates of Platinum, Rhodium or Iridium

exxon res. & eng. co. U.S. Patent 5,068,375

Substituted platinum group metal xanthates contain alkyl, optionally substituted with alkoxy, or aryl, (un)branched alkylene, and Pt, Rh or Ir, with n = 2 when M = Pt, or n = 3 when M = Rh or Ir. Pt metal xanthates, such as bis-l-methoxy-2-propylxanthate, bis-3-methoxy-l-butylxanthate, etc., or Pt ethoxyethylxanthate or Pt butoxyethylxanthate were prepared. The compounds are used in catalyst systems for removing impurities, such as S and N, from hydrocarbons by hydrotreatment.

ELECTROCHEMISTRY

Electrolytic Manufacture of Ozone Using a Platinum Coated Anode

johnson matthey p.l.c. European Appl . 470,761A

Ozone is prepared using an electrode made of W, Ti, Ta and Nb in contact with a second area which contacts the electrolyte comprising Pt or Pt containing material. The electrode is preferably W and/or Nb and the second area is Pt in a form to give at least one area of ≤ 30 mm2 which is either square, circular or rectangular. The electrolyte is preferably 0.01-8 N H2SO4 containing fluoride ions. The Pt catalytic coating prevents the formation of passive oxide layer.

Electroluminescent Electrode Containing Ruthenium Complex

cape cod res. U.S. Patent 5,075,172

An electrochemiluminescent (ECL) electrode for use in apparatus for monitoring the concentration of organic material in H2O comprises an ECL layer of a homogeneous mixture of a tris(2,2′-bipyridyl) Ru complex and a PTFE polymer backbone with pendant side chains terminating with sulphonic groups, deposited on an etched glass substrate layered with a light transparent, electrically conducting, fine grained substance for supporting and electrochemically activating the ECL layer. The improved ECL layers are especially useful for monitoring petroleum contaminated ground H2O.

Electrocatalytic Cathode for Chloralkali Electrolytic Cells

dow chem. co. U.S. Parent 5,164,062

Cathode comprises a metallic surfaced substrate with a hard continuous non-dendritic coating of Pd, Ru, and optionally of Rh, Os, Ir and/or Pt, 1–3 μm in thickness, which is tightly adherent and thus is resistant to loss when the cathode is in use. The substrate is a mesh or woven screen of Ni, Fe, stainless steel, Cu and/or their alloys. The cathode is used to produce halogen gas, H2 and alkali metal hydroxide solution by electrolysis of alkali metal halide solution.

Platinum Group Metals Coated Electrodes for Water Electrolysis

permelec electrode ltd. Japanese Appl . 3/253,590

The electrode is manufactured by applying a coating solution of a platinum group metal compound to one side of a porous electrode base maintained at a temperature near to the boiling point of the coating solution, heat-treating the coating solution at 80–200°C to give a platinum group metal layer on the surface of the base, followed by a further PbO2 catalyst layer to obtain an electrode. The electrode is used for ozone production and has the electrode substance only at the part that contributes to the electrolysis.

Platinum Containing Ionisation Catalyst Composition for Electrodes

tokuyama soda k.k. Japanese Appl . 4/298,240

An ionisation catalyst composition for electrodes contains 50–99.9 wt.% Pt and 0.1-50 wt.% perovskite type oxide of La1-xSrxAO3 where x = 0.01-0.5 and A is at least one of Co, Cu, Fe, Mn and Ni. In an example, the catalytic composition of 1 wt. % of perovskite type oxide was added to Pt black and made into a paste with terpineol, then screen printed to a thickness of 20 μm on both sides of the solid electrolyte. The catalyst is used for O ionisation electrodes in O2 sensors and fuel cells.

ELECTRODEPOSITION AND SURFACE COATINGS

Platinum Electroforming or Plating Bath

electroplating eng. European Appl . 465,073A

The plating bath comprises 2–100 g/1 (calculated for Pt) of at least one of H2(PtCl6), alkali metal chloro-platinate, alkali metal hexahydroxoplatinate, and 20–100 g/1 of an alkali metal hydroxide. The bath also contains soluble carboxylate, phosphate, sulphate and an alloying metal salt of Pd, Ir, Ru, Au and Ag. Electroplating or electroforming is carried out at ≥ 65°C with a current density of 1–3 A/dm2, to form product of ≤ 50 μm thick. The Pt material has high hardness, thickness and improved corrosion and scratch resistance.

Ruthenium Coated Molybdenum Substrate Article

skw metals uk. ltd. European Appl . 508,721A

The article comprises a Mo-substrate with a Ru-coating which is directly coated onto the Mo-substrate. Ru is coated onto an intermediate layer of Ni, Ag, Au, Co, Cu, Cr, Rh or Pd, which is directly coated onto the Mo-substrate. The Ru coating is 0.15-0.8 μm thick. The Ru coated article has good resistance to oxidation and chemical attack and is used as a heat conductor in high power semiconductor devices. The Ru coating has high hardness, low electrical resistance and good abrasive wear resistance.

Adhesion and Porosity of Palladium Plating

american telephone & telegraph co. European Appl . 512.724A

Plating an electrically conducting surface comprises electroplating at least two layers in succession, a Pd strike layer and a cover layer of a metal selected from Pd-Ni alloy, or Pt, Pd, Rh, Ru, Au, Ag and their alloys. The strike layer is deposited from an aqueous bath of pH 2–6 which comprises 0.1-3 g Pd/l and an organic diamine complexing agent. The acid Pd strike bath improves the adhesion and porosity of Pd (alloy) plating on metal substrates. The Pd strike protects corrodible substrates from chemical attack in the main bath and prevents its contamination.

Precious Metal Composition

johnson matthey p.l.c. European Appl . 514,073A

A homogeneous composition for forming, on firing, a film of noble metal (1) is selected from one or more of Pt, Pd, Au and Ag, onto a substrate. The composition comprises a polymeric resin and a thiolate containing 3–22 wt.% of Pt, Pd, Au and Ag. When the composition is heated the H2O evaporates to a homogeneous composition of polymeric resin, thiolate decomposes to (1) and the resin is volatilised. The firing is performed at 460–900°C leaving bright films. The composition is particularly suitable for application to ceramics.

Rhodium Plating for Copper Laminated Layered Plate

nippon avionics k.k. Japanese Appl . 3/223,486

Rhodium plating of a Cu laminated layered plate for slip rings is performed by subjecting a Cu foil surface to wet plating with Cu, Ni and Au before Rh plating. The Rh plating layer is 1.0-2.5 μm thick. The insulating layer comprises a glass cloth base and epoxy resin. Soft etching using NH4 persulphate is effected between the Cu-, Ni- and Au-plating steps. Abrasion resistance is improved.

Electroless Palladium-Silver Alloy Plating Film Manufacture

ebara corp. Japanese Appl . 3/287,781

Film is precipitated on a catalyst active carrier by using a plating bath containing at least one base of Pd salt, Ag salt, NH3 and amine compound with Pd and Ag salts (0.001-0.5 mol/1), hydrazine and/or hydrazinium salt as reducing agent, amino-polyhy-dric acetic acid and/or its salt as chelating agent.

Probe Pin for Semiconductor Etching

tanaka kikinzoku kogyo k. k. Japanese Appl . 4/236,439

A probe pin for semiconductor etching is prepared by dipping Ag-Pd alloy ultrafine wire tops in an electrolyte containing in g/1 10–100 of liquid KCN, 10–100 K ferrocyanide, 5–50 KOH and 0.5-5 ml/1 surfactant, at a rate of 0.1-0.4 A/wire at 50–70°C. The wire was electrolysed to give a taper to the wire by etching as the diameter of the wire top is reduced gradually, by discharging the electrolyte or pulling up the wire gradually. The produced probe has high dimensional accuracy and stability.

Selective Plating of Non-Metal Substrate with Palladium Oxide Layer

canon k. k. Japanese Appl . 4/236,784

A non-metal substrate is plated selectively by forming a Pd oxide fine particle layer on the surface of the substrate, electron beam irradiating the Pd oxide at a desired location of the fine particle layer, for reducing to metal Pd, and dipping the substrate into an electroless plating bath for depositing a plating metal onto Pd as the nucleus.

Platinum Electroplating Bath for Sensors

tanaka kikinzoku kogyo k.k. Japanese Appl . 4/297,592

A Pt electroplating bath consists of an aqueous solution containing Pt dinitroammine, citrate, sulphamic acid and NH4 sulphamate. Glossy Pt coatings 15μm thick can be obtained at a low (4–50°C) bath temperature. The plating bath is used to produce sensors and exothermic resistant materials with the characteristics of Pt, and electrodes of Fe, Cu, Al, Ni, Ti, Nb and Ta coated by Pt.

Electrolytic Deposition of Palladium-Nickel Alloy

kontakt spezial gdr. East German Patent 292,596

The electrolytic deposition of a Pd-Ni alloy contact layer from an electroplating bath containing 10–15 g/1 Pd and 5–10 g/1 Ni salts, preferably in NH3 solution, comprises adding a polyfunctional 5-membered heterocyclic compound to the bath. The invention allows the deposition of Pd-Ni alloy layers for production of printed circuit boards, decorative coating and gives constant alloy properties over a long period of operation.

APPARATUS AND TECHNIQUE

High Purity Thin Platinum Wire in Liquid Gas Sensor

okazaki seisakusho Japanese Appl . 3/276,053

A liquid gas sensor for rocket fuel comprises a resistor made of a high purity thin Pt wire contacted and wound on an insulating spool coated with a ceramic. By using a spool which is as small as possible, the heat capacity is reduced and the response increased. Ceramic coating on the Pt wire improves the mechanical strength. The sensor shows good response, high mechanical strength and can detect liquid H2 used as rocket fuel. The response of the sensor is also raised by the use of the fine (thin) Pt wire of high purity.

FET Type Oxygen Sensor

suzuki motor corp. Japanese Appl . 4/233,449

FET type O2 comprises solid LaF3 electrolyte and Pt film catalyst for the gate metal electrode, and an OH- ion is implanted onto the surface. The reaction of O- to OH- is very fast, as is the reaction of OH- to LaF3, thus improving the responsivity of the sensor compared to the conventional products.

Sensor for Measuring Oxygen Partial Pressure in Molten Salt

nippon steel corp. Japanese Appl . 4/252,946

The sensor comprises a protection tube containing CaO and/or Y2O3, ZrO2 and Pt powder, a Pt electrode dipped in the Pt powder, and a Pt electrode dipped in the molten salt outside of the protection tube. Both of the Pt electrodes are electrically connected, one inside and one outside of the tube.

Electromagnetic Flowmeter

fuji electric mfg. co. ltd. Japanese Appl . 4/254,715

Electromagnetic flowmeter consists of a ceramic tube for sample gas flow, and a pair of electrodes made of a Pt rod and a covering film. The Pt electrodes are coated with an oxide of Mg, Ca, Al, Si, Ti or Zr. The electrodes are produced by (1) application of an alcoholate solution of Mg, Ca, Al, Si, Ti or Zr to the outer surface of the Pt rod, and (2) heating the Pt rod to make the covering layer of the metal oxide.

Metal Oxide Semiconductor Oxygen Gas Sensor

toyota jidosha k.k. Japanese Appl . 4/269,650

The sensor consists of an Al2O3 baseplate, a heater, a pair of Pt electrodes, a gas sensing layer of TiO2, a reaction layer on the gas sensing layer, and a trap layer on the reaction layer. The trap layer traps impurities such as Pb, while the reaction layer is useful for the removal of the unburnt combustible gases.

Microporous Fluorine-Containing Resin Plated with Platinum

japan gore tex. inc. Japanese Appl . 4/286,637

The resin material has many pores of ≤ 100 μm, and Pt metal or Pt alloy film is bonded through anion exchange resin in the micropores. Preferably the Pt or platinum group metal alloy is plated by bonding a F-containing resin containing sulphonic or carboxylic acids, immersing the textiles into an organic solvent, followed by boiling. Pt is deposited on the Pt nucleus by immersing the porous material in Pt containing solvent.

Oxygen Sensor for I.C. Engines

ngk spark plug co. ltd. Japanese Appl . 4/291,143

Oxygen sensor for I.C.E. is produced by forming a standard gas side electrode on the face of a solid electrolyte, and a detection gas side electrode on the other face. A thin film of Pt is formed on the surface of the solid electrolyte, with holes of 0.5-20 μ in diameter dispersed in it, and a layer of Rh, or an alloy of Rh and platinum group metal is coated on the Pt surface. The O2 concentration is determined by using the e.m.f. formed from the difference in O2 concentration between the standard and detection gas sides.

Air Intake Sensor for I.C.E.

ngk insulators ltd. German Appl . 4,207,188

Air intake sensor for I.C.E. has a Pt heat generating resistor and a Pt temperature compensating resistor in the same flow channel. The resistance value of the heat generating resistor must satisfy a specific function of the temperature, and the temperature coefficient of the effective resistance of the compensation resistor is less than that of the heat generating resistor. The sensor requires no temperature-compensating electrical circuit or circuit regulation and air flow can be accurately registered over a wide temperature range.

JOINING

Organic-Metal Conductor Composition for Ceramic Bonding

noritake co. ltd. Japanese Appl . 4/246,477

The conductor is composed of 1.0-10.0% Pt, 0.5-5.0% Pd, 5.0-25.0% Au, 0.02-1.0% Cr and 0.02-2.0% Bi, and an organic vehicle. It further contains organic Ag and V compounds with < 5 wt.% and < 1.0 wt.% metal content, respectively. The organic vehicle contains ethylcellulose, terpineol, and < 5.0 wt.% of glass frit. Using this composition, a conductor membrane 0.3-0.5 μm thick can be formed on ceramic substrates, which is capable of undergoing eutectic soldering for bonding.

HETEROGENEOUS CATALYSIS

Two Stage Upgrade of Aliphatic Hydrocarbons

british petroleum p.l.c. British Appl . 2,246,141

A Feedstock comprising 2–8 C hydrocarbons is upgraded by contacting with dehydrogenation platinum group metal/silicalite catalyst at 550–650°C, and passing the product over a zeolite catalyst at 300–450°C to produce a second product rich in tertiary olefins and/or aromatics. The platinum group metal is Pt, Pd, Rh, Ir or Ru; a promoter such as Zn or Sn may be present. The zeolite catalyst is ZSM-5, promoted with Ga or Zn. Selectivity to aromatics can be controlled and production of (m)ethane is reduced.

Rhodium Containing Catalysts for Diesel Exhaust Gas Purification

nippon shokubai co. ltd. European Appl . 462,593A

A catalyst comprises a 3-dimensional refractory support, optionally a zeolite, carrying a catalyst consisting of a refractory inorganic oxide, Pd and/or Pt, and Rh. The Rh is in the outer part of the catalyst layer, corresponding to ≤ 80% of its thickness. The catalysts may contain Pt and/or Pd in a first layer in contact with the support, and Rh in a second layer. The catalyst removes fine particulate substances from diesel exhaust gas, burns harmful components even at low temperature, and has low oxidation capacity for SO2.

Ruthenium Catalyst for Cycloolefin Production from Aromatic Compounds

mitsubishi kasei corp. European Appl . 466,128A

Cycloolefins are produced by partially hydrogenating an aromatic hydrocarbon with H2 in the liquid phase in the presence of H2O and a catalyst which has Ru on an oxide carrier as the main component. The carrier has the total pore volume of pores with radii of 20–100,000 Å from 0.3-10 cc/g and the volume of pores with radii 20–200 –Å constitute at most 15% of total pore volume.

Platinum Catalyst on Graphite Support of Specified Apparent Density

basf a.g. European Appl. 467,174A

The catalyst contains 0.01-5 wt.% Pt on a graphite support with an apparent density of 1.7-2.2 g/ml. The graphite support has a compression strength of 50–250 N/mm2, porosity < 20% and particle size of 1–600 μm. The catalyst is partly poisoned with S and/or Se. The catalyst is claimed for use as a hydrogenation catalyst, especially for the production of hydroxylammonium salts by catalytic hydrogenation of NO in aqueous mineral acids. It has a long lifetime and high selectivity, is very active and gives high yields.

High Temperature Steam Reforming of Hydrocarbons

nippon oil k.k. European Appl . 503,653A

The catalyst comprises 0.1-2 wt.% Ru supported on a carrier made of 5–40 wt.% CeO2 and rare earth oxide, and 60–95 wt.% Al2O3, with the atomic ratio of Ce:Ru being 10–200. The catalyst has a preferred surface area of 5–200 m3/g and a porosity of 0.05-1.0 cm3/g. The steam reforming reaction is performed preferably at 500–600°C at the catalyst bed inlet and 700–800°C at the catalyst bed outlet with a steam:C ratio of < 2.5. The catalyst exhibits high activity, long catalytic life and low C precipitation even when used at comparatively low pressure and steanv:C ratio.

Platinum Group Metal Catalyst for Hydrogen Peroxide Production

mitsubishi gas chem. co. inc. European Appl . 504,741A

H2O2 is prepared by direct reaction of O2 and H2 in a reaction medium containing a promoter in the presence of a platinum group metal catalyst, preferably Pt or Pd, supported on solid acid (SA) or solid superacid carriers (SSAC). SSAC is for example H2SO4/Al2O3, TiO2 or ZrO2, etc., and SA is a proton form of mordenite or of MFI type zeolite. The reaction medium is preferably an aqueous solution containing a promoter and a H2O2 stabiliser of aminotri(methylene phosphonic acid), etc. The reaction occurs in the presence or absence of a non-reactive gas at 0–50°C and 3–150 mg/cm2.G pressure.

Three-Way Palladium Supported Catalyst for I.C.E.

nippon shokubai co. ltd. European Appl . 507,590A

A catalyst for simultaneous removal of CO, HC and NO2 from exhaust gas of I.C.E. is supported on a monolithic carrier and comprises 0.5-30 g Pd/1 catalyst, alkaline earth metal oxide, CeO2, ZrO and activated Al2O3. The exhaust gas purifying system has on the exhaust gas inlet side the Pd catalyst, and on the exhaust gas outlet side a catalyst of Rh and Pt, or Pt, Pd and Rh on a monolithic carrier and a refractory inorganic oxide.

Palladium Catalyst for Production of Difluoromethane

imperial chem. ind. p.l.c. European Appl . 508,660A

Difluoromethane is manufactured by the reaction of chlorodifluoromethane with H2, by feeding a stream through a vessel containing a hydrogenation catalyst comprising 8–15 wt.% Pd and at least one other Group VIIIA metal, preferably Ni, on an active C support. The Pd loading on C is such that at 250°C, atmospheric pressure and a Pd loading of 10% w/w, the yield is ≥ 50%.

Palladium/Carbon Catalyst for Preparation of Diaminobenzotrifluoride

occidental chem. corp. European Appl . 509,446A

3,5-Diarninobenzotrifluoride was prepared by reacting 4-chloro-3,5-dinitrobenzotrifluoride, in MeOH, with H2 in the presence of MgO and 5%Pd/C catalyst, used at levels of 0.5, 1, 4 or 6 g (dry weight) per 100 g, at ≤ 125°C. The fluoride is an intermediate in the synthesis of polyimide polymers and the process produces less that 0.5% of 4-chloro-3,5-diaminoben-zotrifiuoride.

Lower Polyols Production with Platinum-Based Carbon Supported Catalysts

menon srl. European Appl . 510,238A

The highly selective process comprises (a) contacting a mixture of carbohydrates and H2, under pressure and weakly basic conditions, preferable with 1–7 wt.% Pt/C catalyst and a basic promoter, to give higher polyols, (b) hydrogenation of the higher polyols by contact with a Pt/C catalyst modified with sulphides to produce a mixture of lower polyols.

Platinum-Iridium-Tin Catalyst for Low Pressure Semi-Regenerative Reforming

exxon res. & eng. co. European Appl . 512,766A

A process for catalytically reforming hydrocarbonaceous feedstream, such as naphtha and straight run gasoline, in the presence of H2 at 1.75 x 104-1.4 x 105 kg/m2 and gas rate 43–142 m3/barrel comprises contacting the feedstream with a catalyst containing 0.1-1.0 wt.% Pt, 0.1-1.0 wt.% Ir and 0.02-0.4 wt.% Sn, preferably supported on Al2O3. The process improves the octane quality, is run at relatively low operating pressures and low gas recycle rates.

Halogenated Hydrocarbon Fluorination Process with Ruthenium or Platinum Containing Catalysts

daikin ind. ltd. European Appl . 516,000A

A halogenated hydrocarbon such as 1,1,1-trifluorochloroethane, etc., is fluorinated by reaction with HF in the presence of a catalyst comprising Cr oxide supported on a carrier, such as fluorinated Al oxide or Al fluoride, containing 0.01-10 mol% of Pt or Ru based on Cr oxide, at 290–380°C.

Preparation of Noble Metal-Alloyed Catalysts

int. fuel cells World Appl . 91/195,566A

A noble metal alloyed catalyst with high loading comprises precipitating Pt and Pd compounds from the solution onto a support, reducing the catalytic activity by reducing the pH or temperature of the solution, adding a soluble alloying metal compound to the solution, precipitating it onto the support, and then calcining to form the alloyed catalyst. High and predictable loadings with reduced waste are obtained and are used in the preparation of fuel cell catalysts.

Palladium Catalysts for Amino-Phenol Production

e. i. du pont de nemours & co. WorldAppl 92/18,445

3-Aminophenol was produced by dehydrogenation of 3-amino-2-cyclohexene-l-one in the presence of Pd or Pd-Pt catalyst supported on C, SiO2, or an alkaline support, in a solvent with a catalytic amount of base in the reaction mixture, followed by heating at 130–350°C. The phenol produced by this method, after removal of the catalyst, can be used directly for the synthesis of 3-amino-diphenyl ethers.

Platinum or Palladium Catalyst for Carbon Monoxide Oxidation

phillips petroleum co. U. S. Patent 5,071,818

The catalyst comprises a SnO2 coated porous ceramic support, Pt and/or Pd, and Mn and/or Cr compound co-promoters. The support is obtained by impregnation with Sn carboxylate solution, then drying and heating to convert the carboxylate to SnO2. The ceramic material is preferably a monolith.

Palladium Catalyst in Diaminobenzotrifluoride Production

occidental chem. corp. U.S. Patent 5,144,076

3,5-Diaminobenzotrifluoride is prepared in a single step by reduction of 4-chloro-3,5-dinitro-benzotri-fluoride with H2 in solvent, such as 3–6C secondary and ternary alcohols, acetonitrile, etc., in the presence of a Pd catalyst supported on an inert carrier and a base, such as alkali metal and alkaline earth metal carbonate and bicarbonate, and alkali metal salts of 2–6C aliphatic carboxylic acids. The trifluoride produced is an intermediate in the synthesis of polyimide polymers.

Hydrocarbon Feedstock Hydrogenation Using Mordenite Supported Catalyst

amoco corp. U. S. Patent 5,151,172

Hydrocarbon feedstock consisting of material boiling at 150–700°F is hydrogenated by reaction with H2 in the presence of a catalyst comprising 0.1-2.0 wt.% each of Pd and Pt on a mordenite support. The mordenite has Si:Al atomic ratios of 10–40 and Pd:Pt wt. ratio is 5:1-1:2. The method gives improved dearomatisation, desulphurisation and denitrogenation of distillate feedstock.

Removal of Carbon Monoxide and Oxygen from Hydrocarbon Feeds

phillips petroleum co. U. S. Patent 5,157,204

Removal of CO and free O2 from HC-containing feeds comprises contacting at -30 to 200°C, a fluid feed containing 0.1 mole ppm-6 mole %CO, 0.05 mole ppm-3 mole O2 and at least one 1–10C HC with at least one Pt containing catalyst composition. The catalyst is selected from a composition containing: (a) Pt metal, Fe oxide and at least one inorganic support, such as Al2O3, MgO, etc., or (b) Pt and Pd, at least one Cr or Mn compound, and a SnO2-Coated porous ceramic monolith support. The catalyst is used for purification of ethylene and propylene for use as feeds for catalytic polymerisation processes.

Diesel Engine Exhaust Deodorising Catalyst

toyota jidosha k.k. Japanese Appl . 3/262,541

A platinum group metal catalyst for deodorising diesel engine exhaust consists of a refractory support having a zeolite surface layer loaded with Pt, Pd, Rh, Ru or Ir. In an example, a cordierite monolithic support was immersed in an aqueous slurry containing H-type mordenite and SiO2 solution, calcinated at 500°C, and immersed in Pt(NH3)(OH)2.

Chemical Heat Pump System

y. satto Japanese Appl . 3/263,550

A 2-propanol/acetone-H system for a chemical heat pump comprises 0.1-20 wt.% supported platinum group metal, selected from Pt, Rh and Ru on activated C as a dehydrogenation catalyst for 2-propanol. 2-Propanol is quickly and effectively dehydrogenated in this pump, permitting the use of low temperature heat sources at < 80°C. The catalyst also allows effective recovery and re-use of heat energy from solar energy, geothermal heat and industrial waste heat.

Platinum Group Metal Catalyst for Purification of Exhaust Gas

cataler kogyo k. k. Japanese Appl . 4/256,445

Purification catalyst for exhaust gas comprises zeolite impregnated with Co at inlet side of exhaust gas and zeolite impregnated with Pt, Pd, Rh, Ir or Ru at outlet side of exhaust gas. In an example, a cordierite honeycomb support is immersed in a zeolite slurry, in Co acetate solution, and in tetra Pt ammine solution to form the catalyst. It shows a 59% NOx purification ratio at air:fuel ratio of 17, at 200°C.

Palladium-Iodine Catalyst for Continuous Production of Diaryl Carbonates

asahi chem. ind. co. ltd. Japanese Appl . 4/261,142

Diaryl carbonates are prepared by the reaction of aromatic hydroxyl compounds, preferably phenols, with CO and O2 in the presence of a Pd compound and promoter, I compound, catalyst at 50–350°C under 1–350 kg/cm2. The reaction gives high yield and selectivity from available materials without toxic phosgene production.

Triple Function Exhaust Gas Purification Catalyst

cataler kogyo k. k. Japanese Appl . 4/265,155

The catalyst comprises a metal plate honeycomb coated with more than two layers of Al2O3, at least one of Pt, Pd, Rh and Ce with the first Al2O3 layer, which directly contacts the metal honeycomb plate, not containing Ce. This triple functional catalyst is used for removal of hydrocarbons, CO and NOx from the exhaust gas of inner combustion engines, the expansion of honeycomb metal base plates is prevented. The purifying capacity of this catalyst for hydrocarbons, CO, and NOx was 88-93%, 69-74% and 72-77%, respectively.

Palladium-Cobalt-Molybdenum Hydrogenation Catalyst

tonen corp. Japanese Appl . 4/265,157

Pd-Co-Mo/SiO2-Al2O3 catalyst is produced by immersing the carrier in aqueous solution containing an amine complex of Pd and Co, and then in aqueous Mo compound solution. In an example, the catalyst contains 10 wt.% SiO2 and carried 1.0 wt.% PdO, 3.5 wt.% CoO and 14 wt.% MoO3.

Ruthenium Catalysts for Preparation of Heavy Aliphatic Hydrocarbons

agency of ind. sci. & technol. Japanese Appl . 4/271,837

The catalyst contains 0.1-10 wt.% Ru, V in amount
0. 1-2.0 times the atomic ratio of Ru, and TiO2, and is used for synthesising heavy aliphatic hydrocarbons with > 12C from H2 and CO. The heavy aliphatic hydrocarbons are produced at a high production rate and with high selectivity. The transformation ratio of CO to hydrocarbons was 9.1x10-4 mol/(min g of the catalyst) yielding hydrocarbons: 31.6 wt.% C1-C4, 43.4 wt.% C5-C11 and 25.0 wt.% > C12.

I.C.E. Exhaust Purification Using Platinum and Strontium Supported Catalyst

toyota jidosha k.k. Japanese Appl . 4/284,824

The method for purifying I.C.E. exhaust gas comprises depositing exhaust-purifying catalysts consisting of Pt and Sr supported on γ-Al2O3 or La-added Al2O3, in exhaust gas containing an excess of O2, to purify NOx in the exhaust. The catalyst contains 0.5-2 wt.% Pt and 5-20 wt.% Sr, of the carrier and carried Pt, respectively.

Highly Thermal Resistant Catalyst for I.C.E. Purification

ne chemcat k.k. Japanese Appl . 4/284,847

A catalyst for exhaust gas purification for I.C.E.s consists of a unitary structured carrier containing at least one platinum group metal, such as Pt or Rh; Al2O3, CeO2 and stabilised ZrO2 which contains Group IIa and IIIb elements, Y, La, Pr and Nd. The oxides of the alkaline earth metals and Zr are used in triple functional catalyst giving high thermal resistance.

Hydrogen Peroxide Production Using Platinum Catalyst

mitsubishi gas chem. co. inc. Japanese Appl . 4/285,003

H2O2 Was produced in a reaction medium using a Pt catalyst loaded on La oxide support in an aqueous acidic solution containing phosphoric acid and chloride ions; the chloride ions are used as an auxiliary catalyst. The process gives a higher concentration of H2O2 solution without dissolving the La oxide support.

Aminomethyl-Trialkylcyclohexylamine Preparation

mitsubishi kasei corp. Japanese Appl . 4/300,852

3-Aminomethyl-3,5,5-trialkylcyclohexylamines were prepared by catalytic hydrogenation of 3-cyano-3,5,5-trialkylcyclohexyl-amine in the presence of supported Ru catalyst and NH3, at 50–150°C and 20–150 atm. The catalyst contains 0.1-10 wt.% Ru and is supported on SiO2, Al2O3 or active C. The compound is useful as a curing agent for epoxy resins or ure-thane elastomer; the Ru catalyst is safer and more effective than former catalysts.

Titanium Dioxide/Palladium Catalyst for Hardening Fatty Acids

degussa a.g. German Appl . 4,109,502

A high activity TiO2/Pd catalyst for hardening fatty acids contains finely divided Pd and pyrogenic TiO2 of rutile and anatase structure obtained by flame hydrolysis of TiCl4. The catalyst is prepared by forming the pyrogenic TiO2 with conventional additives into a green body, drying at 110°C for 12 h, and impregnating the calcinated body with an aqueous Pd salt solution adjusted to pH 4 to obtain the final catalyst containing 0.5-10 wt.% Pd.

Palladium-Ruthenium Membrane Catalyst

petrochem. synthesis inst. Russian Patent 1,694,638

Technical grade fats for soap production are prepared by catalytic hydrogenation of vegetable oil, at 50–200°C, in a liquid phase, using Pd-Ru alloy membrane catalyst with a porous surface layer with 0.000125-0.0125 mg/cm2 active particles. The latter consists of a melt of Pd and Ni, with 5–20 wt.% Ni. The membrane catalyst is a spiral pipe.

HOMOGENEOUS CATALYSIS

Preparation of Thermally Labile Vinyl Compounds Using Ruthenium Compound Catalyst

union carbide chem. & plastics European Appl . 506,070A

Thermally labile Bronsted acid vinyl derivatives are prepared by transvinylation. This comprises reacting a vinyl derivative of a first Bronsted acid with a thermally labile Bronsted acid in the presence of a transvinylation Ru compound catalyst.

Preparation of Acetic Anhydride in the Presence of Rhodium Catalysts

sollac s.a. European Appl . 511,038A

Acetic anhydride is prepared by the reaction of methyl formate with a gas comprising principally CO under a pressure of ≥ 1 MPa in the presence of (a) a Rh-based catalyst, (b) two I-based promoters of successively ionic and covalent characteristics and (c) an N-substituted cyclic amide as the solvent. Examples of Rh-based catalysts are RhCl3.3H2O, Rh2Cl2(CO)4, etc. The nature of the solvent is critical, since in a conventional solvent (or absence of solvent) the selectivity of acetic anhydride is decreased due to isomerisation of methyl formate to acetic acid.

Iridium-Based Catalyst for Adipic Acid Preparation

rhone poulenc chim. European Appl . 511,126A

Adipic acid was prepared by the reaction of H2O and CO with at least one pentenic acid in the presence of an Ir-based catalyst and at least one I promoter at a high temperature and at greater than atmospheric pressure. The Ir catalyst is preferably (IrCl(Cod))2, Ir4(CO)12 or Ir(acac)(CO)2 where cod = cyclooctadiene, acac = acetylacetonate, and the I promoter is HI or an organic iodide capable of generating HI. The atomic ratio I:Ir is < 10. The reaction temperature is 100–240°C and the partial pressure of CO is 2–250 bar.

Hydrogen Peroxide Synthesis over Palladium Catalyst

interox int. s.a. World Appl . 92/15.520A

H2O2 is obtained by direct reaction of H2 and O2 in the gas phase at > atmospheric pressure over a Pd heterogeneous granular catalyst which is suspended in a liquid aqueous phase, and comprises a Pd metal compound or a combination of Pd with at least one other noble metal, impregnated onto an alkali(ne earth) sulphate or phosphate support. The catalyst preferably contains 0.1-15 g per 100 g total metal and support. The process gives high selectivity of conversion of H2 into H2O2 and overcomes any tendency of the catalyst support to dissolve in the medium.

Continuous Adipic Acid Manufacture with Halide Promoted Rhodium Catalyst

e.i. du pont de nemours & co. World Appl . 92/16,476A

Adipic acid is prepared by contacting 1,3-butadiene, allylic butenols or allylic butenol esters or ethers with CO, H2O and with a Rh catalyst and a halide promoter at 50–250°C and CO partial pressure of 100–3,000 psi to form a reaction mixture containing adipic acid and branched 6C dicarboxylic acids. Adipic acid is recovered from the mixture, and the remainder is heated to isomerise the dicarboxylic acids to adipic acid, and the production mixture is recycled. The molar ratio of promoter to Rh = 1-20:1.

Acetic Acid Production Using a Rhodium Catalyst

hoechst celanese corp. U. S. Patent 5,144,068

Acetic acid is produced by the reaction of MeOH with CO in a liquid medium containing a Rh catalyst and 2–20 wt.% of a soluble iodide salt catalyst stabiliser of low H2O content, giving ~ 99% yield. The reaction medium contains 200–1000 ppm of Rh catalyst, preferably 1–10 wt.% H2O, 0.5-5 wt.% methyl acetate, 10–20 wt.% LiI and 12–16 wt.% Mel. The process converts alcohols into the corresponding car-boxylic acids, and gives a great degree of stability.

Unsymmetric Urea or Carbamate Preparation with Ruthenium Catalyst

arco chem. technology lp U.S. Patent 5,155,267

Unsymmetric urea or carbamates are produced by contacting a primary (aromatic) formamide and a dialkylamine or alcohol with Ru, Pt or Rh compounds, especially RuCl2(PPh3)3 or RUCI2(DMSO)4, in an aromatic hydrocarbon solvent at < 150°C The products can be cracked to give isocyanates. The process is selective giving > 90% of the desired product.

Direct Oxidation of Benzene for Phenol Preparation

idemitsu petrochem. k.k. Japanese Appl . 3/261,735

Phenols are prepared by reacting benzene with O2 in the presence of Pd catalyst, such as Pd acetate, Pd black, Pd/C, Pd hydroxide, or colloidal Pd, under the conditions that the ratio of the partial pressure of O2 to ratio of the catalyst to benzene is 1,500–20,000 kg/cm2/mol %.

Aminopropyl Alkoxysilane Preparation

showa denko k.k. Japanese Appl . 4/210,693

Aminopropyl alkoxysilanes are prepared by reacting hydroalkoxy silane, containing ≤ 10 mol. Cl equivalent to Rh in the catalyst, with allyl amine compound in the presence of a catalyst of a Rh compound and a trivalent P compound. The Rh compound is preferably RhCl3.3H2O, Rh(acac)3 and P compounds are P(OPh)3, P(Et)3, etc. Aminopropyl alkoxysilane can be obtained with high yield and high selectivity.

FUEL CELLS

Gas Reaction Fuel Cell with a Platinum Catalyst

u.s. dept. energy World Appl . 92/15,12IA

A H2-O2 fuel cell has a solid polymer electrolyte, separating anode and cathode, with a composite film of a supported Pt catalyst uniformly dispersed in a proton conducting ionomer disposed between the solid polymer electrolyte and the cathode. The Pt loading in the composite film is < 0.35 mg Pt/cm2 and the film is < 10 μm. The composite film optimises proton access to the catalyst while giving adequate gas permeability and electronic continuity.

CORROSION PROTECTION

Stainless Steel Alloy Containing Platinum Group Metals

general electric co. U.S. Patent 5,147,602

A corrosion resistant stainless steel alloy contains in wt.% 24–32 Cr, 20–40 Ni, ≤ 10 Mn, ≤ 0.06 C, 2–9 of at least one of Ti, Nb and Ta, a platinum group metal and balance Fe. The amount of platinum group metal, preferable 0.01-5 at.% of the alloy, is sufficient to reduce the corrosion potential of the alloy in high temperature H2O containing H. The alloy has a high resistance to corrosion and stress cracking in high temperature H2O as is found in H2O deaerators, nuclear reactors and steam driven power stations.

Electrochemical Sensor for Corrosion Monitoring

hitachi k.k. Japanese Appl . 3/218,452

An electrochemical sensor for monitoring corrosion of Zr alloy is made by using a Zr alloy, acting as the sample electrode, a reference electrode and Pt sensor electrode which is fixed in a ceramic mould and sealed. The whole is unified in a corrosion resistant stainless steel casing by diffusion bonding. The corrosion of Zr alloy in service is surmised from that of the sample alloy and the measurement of corrosion current permits the deterioration in quality of the environmental H2O to be determined.

Corrosion-Resistant Insoluble Electrode Containing Iridium Dioxide

nippon steel corp. Japanese Appl . 4/214,899

A corrosion-resistant insoluble electrode comprises a valve metal layer formed on the electrode body, with IrO2 reactive sputter coating formed in the valve metal layer, an IrO2 baking film layer is formed on the sputter coating, and IrO2 reactive sputter coating is further formed on the baking film layer. The application/drying cycle is performed 8 times, to give an IrO2 layer 5 μm thick. The electrode was used as an anode in 5 wt.% H2SO4 at 60°C to test the corrosion using Pt as cathode. The insoluble electrode gives good corrosion resistance and durability under the high current density of electrolysis of ≤ 200 A/cm2.

GLASS TECHNOLOGY

Process for Rhodium-Platinum Bushing Production

tokuriki honten k. k. Japanese Appls . 4/241,105–6

A Rh-Pt bushing process for fibre formation includes welding nozzle (10% Rh-Pt alloy wire) element to the centre of bushing bottom plate firmly, with Pt pipe fitted to the foot of the nozzle. Process makes a Pt plate layer on the surface of the bottom plate consisting of the following: Pt-Rh/Pt-Ru, Pt-Rh/Pt-Ir or Pt-Rh/Pt-W. The nozzle is welded to the bottom plate by heating, can be positioned at the centre of the hole accurately and fixed firmly.

ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING

Superlattice for Magnetic Recording Medium

oki electric ind. k.k. European Appls . 459,41 IA and 459,413A

A magnetic recording medium comprises a substrate and an artificial superlattice of alternate layers of Co and Pt or Pd, comprising a vertical magnetisation film. Preferably, each Co layer is 1–15 Å thick and each Pt or Pd layer is 2–30 Å thick. The thin film has thickness 10–100 Å inclusive. The medium displays high residual flux density, high coercivity and low Curie temperature.

Magnetic Recording Medium with Cobalt-Palladium-Chromium Alloy

fuji photo film co. ltd. European Appl . 505.783A

A magnetic recording medium comprises a non-magnetic substrate and a magnetic thin film of (Co100-x,Pdx)100-y Cry or ((Co100-xPdx)100-xCry)100-z Oz where x = 10–40, y = 5–25 and z = 0.5-15. A non-magnetic layer of thickness 200–10,000 Å is preferably included between the magnetic thin film and substrate. The magnetic thin film has thickness 200–10,000 Å and the film has perpendicular easy axis of magnetisation.

Manufacture of Opto-Magnetic Recording Films

hitachi ltd. Japanese Appl . 4/186,706

Opto-magnetic recording films are manufactured by laminating a layer containing at least one of Pt, Pd, Rh and Au and a layer containing Fe, Ni and Co. The layers are laminated in turn to make a multilayered structure and the internal stress is controlled in order to control the anisotropic perpendicular magnetic energy. The film allows more stable storage of written information.

Sliding Contact Material

tokuriki honten k. k. Japanese Appl . 4/235,291

The sliding contact material is produced by applying a Ni plating layer onto the surface of a Cu substrate, applying a Rh plating layer of 1 μm thickness, and then applying a Au plating layer of the same thickness. The sliding contact member shows good durability and small noise production, and is suitable for slip rings used in VTR, radar or measuring devices. It has a smooth surface which decreases wear.

Photomagnetic Recording Medium with Platinum- or Palladium-Cobalt Lattice Film

oki electric ind. co. ltd. Japanese Appl . 4/255,934

Two layer photomagnetic recording medium comprises a recording layer and an auxiliary film layer 5–70 mm thick made of a Pt/Co or Pd/Co artificial lattice film.The medium is overwritable, is thin and has improved sensitivity.

Photomagnetic Palladium-Cobalt Alloy Perpendicular Recording Film

sanyo electric co. Japanese Appl . 4/258,828

Photomagnetic Pd-Co alloy recording film of thickness ≤ 300 Å is prepared by sputtering, with the pressure of the vacuum sputtering vessel being at least 5 m Torr. The medium has almost 100% rectangular ratio and Hr/Hc. In an example, a photomagnetic disk was prepared by sputtering a 300 Å thick alloy film, having Pd:Co ratio 6:4 at.%, on a glass substrate.

Silver-Palladium-Platinum Fine Powder Paste

tanaka kikinzoku kogyo k.k. Japanese Appl . 4/289,608

The paste comprises 10–20 wt.% Pd, 0.1-4.7 wt.% Pt and balance Ag, which is mixed and made into paste. Resin, organic solvent, glass frit and additive were added, in an example, to the powder mixture to prepare a paste. The paste was screen printed on an Al2O3 substrate, then sintered at 900°C for 30 min, to form a Ag-Pd-Ag alloy thick film circuit. The paste is used in formation of conductive thick film for a circuit without any erosion by soldering.

Electric Switch Contact Element Containing Palladium Alloy

siemens a.g. German Appl . 4,013,627

A contact element for an electric switch contact consists of a non-porous metal support containing a 2–6 μm thick electroplated or cathodically sputtered Pd-containing contact deposit, with at least the outer layer being formed by ≥ 0.1 urn thick Pd-Ag or Pd-Au alloy layer. The contact element which is used in an electromagnetic relay, is reliable and durable.

MEDICAL USES

Anaerobic Microbiological Culture Vessel Containing Palladium Catalyst

air uquide l. European Appl . 460,9 79A

Cultures placed in an anaerobic microbiological culture vessel, which is connected to a gas cylinder and an exhaust pipe, is purged with the CO2, H2 and N2 before incubation. The vessel also contains Pd catalyst which aids the reaction of traces of O2 with H2 to form H2O. The vessel is used for microbiological culture in medical analysis, or in the food industries.

New Arylidene Glycolate Platinum Complex

chisso corp. Japanese Appl . 3/246,251

Arylidene glycolate Pt complexes which optionally contain substituted phenyl, H, and 1–6 C alkyl, are prepared by treatment with anion-exchange resin such as “Amberlite IR A400”, and a further reaction with a-hydroxycinnamic acid in H2O, evaporating and washing the residue with an organic solvent. The complex is useful as an anti-cancer agent.

The New Patents abstracts have been prepared from material published by Derwent Publications Limited.

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