Heterogeneous, Metal-Free Hydrogenation Catalyst Reduces Carbon Dioxide and Other Organic Compounds

Abstract

Hydrogenation is a versatile chemical process most commonly used in the food industry to convert vegetable oils into solid or semi-solid fats found in products such as margarine. These food products have had health concerns due to the use of nickel catalysts in processing. Heterogeneous FLP catalysts have shown promising usefulness in the catalytic heterogeneous hydrogenation process because of their relative stability and slower degradation in comparison to homogenous catalysts. These properties make these type of catalysts a more attractive option since products can be quickly separated from the catalyst, improving product quality and reducing production costs. This catalyst is also attractive for the goal of reducing carbon dioxide emissions, since the alternatives sequestration, electrochemical reduction, and homogenous reduction—depending on available space, intensive energy usage, and the use of more sensitive catalysts, respectively.

Technical Details
Specifically, this catalyst contains a structurally frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) that can hydrogenate a carbonyl bond, producing formic acid, which can be used as a fuel or in fuel cells and other hydrocarbons. It can also hydrogenate other compounds that can lead to biofuels, hydrogenated oils and fats, plastics, and even pharmaceutical precursors. By utilizing hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), this improvement on a popular reduction method eliminates the expensive requirement of precious metals. Additionally, the use of this metal-free FLP catalyst will eliminate metal impurities in hydrogenated products that can cause undesirable effects such as increased toxicity in humans and animals.

Partnering Opportunity
The technology has been laboratory tested, and we are looking for a partner to scale up the technology and commercialize it. The process can be incorporated into current production methods or into a new product line.

Stage of Development
Lab scale testing

Benefit

Market Application