Catalyst System and Process for the Production of Higher Alcohols from Methanol and Ethanol

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The patent describes a method and catalyst system for efficiently producing medium-chain alcohols (C3-C10) such as propanol, butanol, and octanol from methanol and ethanol using a carbon-supported nickel-platinum alloy catalyst in the presence of a base. The process operates at relatively low temperatures (100–200°C) and does not require high pressures or costly rare earth elements. The catalyst is robust, primarily composed of nickel (with a small fraction of platinum), and uses an amorphous carbon support, resulting in high selectivity and yield for target alcohols, including under aqueous conditions.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Production of medium-chain alcohols, such as butanol and octanol, for use as industrial chemicals or solvents.
• Manufacture of next-generation biofuels and fuel additives, especially for gasoline and diesel blends.
• Synthesis of chemical intermediates for plastics, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products.
• Conversion of surplus or renewable methanol/ethanol into higher-value alcohols in sustainable chemical processes.
• Flexible chemical manufacturing allowing on-demand adjustment of product mix depending on feedstock availability and desired end products.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Operates at lower temperatures and without the need for high pressure, reducing energy and equipment costs.
• Uses a catalyst with minimal platinum content, significantly lowering material cost compared to platinum-rich catalysts.
• Exhibits high selectivity and conversion rates for desired medium-chain alcohols, increasing product yield and purity.
• The catalyst is highly stable, displays long operational lifetimes, and resists deactivation even in aqueous environments.
• Process eliminates the need for expensive rare earth elements and additional hydrogen, simplifying operation and improving sustainability.
• Facilitates upcycling of short-chain alcohols (often derived from renewable resources) into more valuable chemicals and fuels.
• Adaptable to different starting alcohol ratios, allowing flexible output of various C4–C8 alcohols.

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Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing C3-C10 monoalcohols from methanol and ethanol using a metal catalyst in the presence of a base, wherein a mixture at least comprising methanol and ethanol is reacted on a carbon-supported metal catalyst at least comprising an alloy of the metals nickel and platinum at a temperature of more than or equal to 100 °C and less than or equal to 200 °C, wherein the molar ratio of nickel to platinum is greater than or equal to 4 and less than or equal to 100,000. The invention additionally relates to a supported metal catalyst and to the use of the catalyst in order to produce C4-C8 monoalcohols from methanol and ethanol.