NEW PATENTS: January 2009
Journal Archive
doi: 10.1595/147106709X404548
NEW PATENTS: January 2009
CATALYSIS – APPLIED AND PHYSICAL ASPECTS
Novel PGM Catalysts
DSM IP ASSETS BV World Appl. 2008/101,602
Novel pgm catalysts are prepared from a reverse microemulsion of a pgm, preferably Pd, in a H2O-in-hydrocarbon system. Some of the solvent is evaporated, preferably under reduced pressure, then a C1–C4 alcohol such as MeOH is added to form a precipitate of pgm nanoparticles. These can be used as structured catalysts, for example in woven fabrics.
CATALYSIS – INDUSTRIAL PROCESS
Liquid Fuel Production from Biomass and Coal
CHINA FUEL (HUAIBEI) BIOENERGY TECHNOL. DEV. CO LTD World Appl. 2008/101,370
A mixture of cellulose biomass and coal is gasified to obtain synthesis gas, then converted to a liquid fuel in the presence of a catalyst. The catalyst includes MoS2; an alkaline metal compound selected from salts of Li, Na, K, Rb and Cs; and a component selected from Pt, Pd, Rh, Ir, Os, Mo, V, Re, Co, Ni or a mixture, for activating the C–H bond in alkanes.
Production of Hydrogen Cyanide
DEGUSSA AG U.S. Patent 7,429,370
An improvement to the Blausäure-Methan-Ammoniak (BMA) process for the production of HCN by reacting an aliphatic C1–C4 hydrocarbon, preferably CH4, with NH3 in the presence of a Pt-containing catalyst is claimed. The catalyst is doped with 0.01–20 mol% (relative to Pt) of an element selected from Pd, Cu, Ag, Au and W to reduce sooting and the consequent decrease in activity, and may be supported on Al2O3.
Nanocone Silicone Gel
CORNING CABLE SYSTEMS LLC U.S. Appl. 2008/0,207,049
A silicone-based gel for use with telecommunication interconnect devices is claimed. It includes approximately equal amounts (w/w) of Part A: (i) 15–20 vinyl terminated polydimethylsiloxane of non-agglomerated SiO2 (nanocone) nanoparticles; (ii) 80–85 polydimethylsiloxane; (iii) 0.1–0.3 of 0.5% Pt catalyst; and Part B: (i) 5–10 vinyl terminated polydimethylsiloxane of non-agglomerated SiO2 (nanocone) nanoparticles; (ii) 15–30 hydride terminated polydimethylsiloxane, (iii) 0.2–10 hydride functional polydimethylsiloxane; (iv) 50–80 polydimethylsiloxane.
CATALYSIS – REACTIONS
Catalytic Olefin Metathesis
UNIV. BRISTOL British Appl. 2,447,068
An olefin metathesis or cross-coupling reaction is carried out using a catalyst system which includes: a source of a d-block metal such as a Group VIII metal, Pt, Pd, Rh, Ru, Fe, Co, Cu or Ni; optionally a promoter, an activator and/or a base; and a source of a 3-membered carbocyclic ligand. The catalyst system may be pre-formed or formed in situ.
EMISSIONS CONTROL
Octane Number-Increasing Catalyst and Fuel Reformer
NISSAN MOTOR CO LTD European Appl. 1,972,776
A fuel reformer for an internal combustion engine includes an octane number-increasing catalyst containing Rh supported on a base material selected from SiO2, Al2O3, CeO2, ZrO2, TiO2, MgO; and a device that supplies O2. The octane number of liquid-phase fuel can be increased in the presence of O2. The fuel reformer can enhance the combustion characteristics of an internal combustion engine.
Exhaust Emission Control Device
YAMAHA MOTOR CO LTD Japanese Appl. 2008-144,612
An exhaust emission control device for an internal combustion engine purifies exhaust components such as CO, HC and NOx, using three catalysts. The second catalyst carries Rh in the upstream part and Pd in the downstream part. CO and HC are oxidised with secondary air led into the exhaust pipe. Pd is carried in the third catalyst.
FUEL CELLS
Preparing Nanosize Platinum-Titanium Alloys
GM GLOBAL TECHNOL. OPERATIONS INC U.S. Patent 7,416,579
Nanometre sized particles containing Ti and Pt are prepared by dissolving or suspending a precursor compound or compounds of Ti and Pt in a low vapour pressure hydrocarbon liquid medium; bubbling a reducing gas such as H2 through the liquid; and applying ultrasonic vibrations at a temperature below ambient. Ti and Pt are coprecipitated in very small particles and may be used in a catalyst for a PEMFC.
Platinum-Ruthenium Core-Shell Nanoparticles
UNIV. MARYLAND U.S. Appl. 2008/0,220,296
PtRu nanoparticles containing a Pt shell and a Ru-based nanoparticle core may be used for the catalytic oxidation of H2 containing relatively large amounts of CO and can be used for the anode of a PEMFC. Particle size is 1–15 nm; metal content is (at.%): 20–60 Pt and 40–80 Ru; the Pt shell may be 1–2 monolayers thick; and the core contains Ru(0):Ru(IV) in the ratio 100–0:0–100, preferably 60–70:40–30. The particles may be supported on a material such as Al2O3.
Electrode Catalyst Composition
NISSAN MOTOR CO LTD Japanese Appl. 2008-140,703
An electrode which is capable of restraining or preventing elution of Pt, and has good electrode catalyst activity, includes a N-containing 6-membered ring such as a pyridine ring, coordinated with at least one metal selected from Pt, Pd, Ir, Ni and Co; and a nonelectrolyte material. The composition can be used in an anode or cathode catalyst layer for a PEMFC.
METALLURGY AND MATERIALS
Iridium-Based Alloy
JAPAN SCI. TECHNOL. AGENCY U.S. Appl. 2008/0,206,090
An Ir-based alloy having high heat resistance and high strength contains (wt.%): 0.1–9.0 Al, 1.0–45 W and the remainder Ir. The metallic structures include a component system containing 0.1–1.5 wt.% Al, in which an L12-type intermetallic compound Ir3(Al,W) is precipitated; and a component system containing 1.5–9.0 wt.% Al in which an Ll2-type intermetallic compound Ir3(Al,W) and a B2-type intermetallic compound Ir(Al,W) are precipitated. Part of the Ir may be replaced with Pt, Pd, Rh, Ru, Co, Ni, Fe, Cr or Re; part of the Al and W may be replaced with Ni, Ti, Nb, Zr, V, Ta, Hf or Mo.
PtTi-Based High-Temperature Shape Memory Alloy
NAT. INST. MATER. SCI. Japanese Appl. 2008-150,705
PtTi and PtTiIr high-temperature shape memory alloys can be used in applications such as chemical plants and engines at 1000–1200°C. The alloys include 42–63 at.% Pt and the remainder Ti; alternatively part of the Pt may be replaced by < 50 at.% Ir. The alloy is subjected to homogenising heat treatment at the transformation point or above for ≥ 1 h, and is then subjected to direct quenching at the transformation temperature or below, and is held at this temperature for ≥ 1 h.
APPARATUS AND TECHNIQUE
Hydrogen Purification Membranes
IDATECH LLC U.S. Appl. 2008/0,210,088
A H2 purification device includes at least one H2-selective membrane made from an alloy of Pd with 10–50 wt.% Au. There may optionally be 5–250 ppm C plus one additional component. The alloy may be S-tolerant. The device can receive a mixed gas stream containing H2, for example from a coal gasification process, and produce substantially pure H2 gas. The purification device can be operated between 200–400°C and ≥ 50 psi.
Antifouling Electrode Composition
PENTEL CORP Japanese Appl. 2008-126,184
An electrode composition to prevent adhesion of microorganisms includes (mol%): 35–65 Ir oxide and 65–35 Ta oxide, calculated as metal, carried on a substrate made of Ti or a Ti alloy, with a conductive Ti oxide layer in between.
BIOMEDICAL AND DENTAL
Non-Magnetic Co-Pd Dental Alloy
ARGEN CORP World Appl. 2008/115,879
A non-magnetic Co-based dental alloy contains (wt.%): ≥ 25 Pd, 15–30 Cr and the balance Co. There may optionally be an element X selected from Mo, W, Nb, Ta, V and Re. To ensure the alloy is non-magnetic, the concentration of Cr in the alloy is ≥ 20 wt.%. Alternatively if the concentration of Cr is < 20 wt.%, the combined concentration of Cr and X is > 20 wt.%. There may optionally be ≥ 5 wt.% Al, B, Ce, Ga, Ge and/or Si.
ELECTROCHEMISTRY
Electrode for Generation of Hydrogen
PERMELEC ELECTRODE LTD European Appl. 1,975,280
The title electrode includes a conductive substrate; a catalytic layer containing at least one pgm selected from Pt, Pd, Rh, Ru and Ir; and a H2 adsorption layer formed from a material such as C or an oxide of Ta, Nb, Ti, Ni, Zr or a La series metal, on the catalytic layer. There may optionally be at least one pgm oxide and/or at least one metal or oxide selected from La series metals, valve metals, Fe series metals and Ag in the catalytic layer.
Anode for Hydrochloric Acid Electrolysis
TANAKA KIKINZOKU KOGYO KK Japanese Appl. 2008-156,684
An anode electrode for HCl electrolysis is claimed to be capable of suppressing erosion of a base material and to have long-term durability. There is a catalytic layer of Ir oxide, Ru oxide or a mixture on a Ti substrate, with an intermediate layer containing Rh, Ir or Ru of thickness 0.5–10 µm which may be formed by plating. High Cl2-generation efficiency is claimed.
SURFACE COATINGS
Composition for Etching Ruthenium
TOSOH CORP World Appl. 2008/129,891
A composition for etching Ru is claimed which does not foul apparatus, is inexpensive and contains no strong alkali. The composition for Ru etching is characterised by comprising Cl2 and H2O, containing no F, and having a pH lower than 12.
Palladium-Containing Plating Solution
GREEN HYDROTEC INC European Appl. 1,983,076
A Pd-containing electroplating solution can be used to create a Pd or Pd alloy membrane on a porous metal support. The solution contains (g l−1): 2–200 Pd as PdSO4; 10–200 reactive conductive salt; 10–150 complexing agent; and buffering agent sufficient to give a pH from 9–12. There may optionally be a second metal salt selected from a Pt, Cu, Ag, Au, Ni, In or a combination, preferably Cu at 0.2–100 g l−1. The porous support may be a metal or alloy selected from Fe, Cu or Ni or a combination.
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