Patents by Inventor Michel J. Gray

Michel J. Gray has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10745330
    Abstract: A method and catalyst for forming higher alcohols from lower alcohol feedstocks. In one application a highly selective and stable copper pseudo-single-atom supported on MgO—Al2O3 catalyst is provided which provides ethanol condensation to higher alcohols at ˜50% yields and ˜85% selectivity is demonstrated with stable catalyst lifetime over 500 hours in a continuous flow system. In some applications a Guerbet condensation process is further utilized to yield a higher alcohol at a selectivity of near ˜90%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Karthikeyan K. Ramasamy, Mond F. Guo, Michel J. Gray, Senthil Subramaniam
  • Patent number: 10221119
    Abstract: Methods, systems and catalysts for converting an alcohol containing feedstock to an upgraded material in a single catalyst bed wherein a feedstock is fed to a catalyst under preselected conditions to obtain an intermediate; and condensing the intermediate through an aldol condensation reaction to yield a product containing an upgraded material. In one instance the feedstock includes ethanol, the catalyst is a mixed metal oxide catalyst and the upgraded material is typically a C5+ ketone(s) or alcohol(s), such as 2-pentanone, 2-heptanone, 4-heptanone and 2-nonanone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Karthikeyan Kallupalayam Ramasamy, Michel J. Gray, Carlos A. Alvarez-Vasco, Mond F. Guo, Senthil Subramaniam
  • Publication number: 20190031585
    Abstract: A method and catalyst for forming higher alcohols from lower alcohol feedstocks. In one application a highly selective and stable copper pseudo-single-atom supported on MgO—Al2O3 catalyst is provided which provides ethanol condensation to higher alcohols at ˜50% yields and ˜85% selectivity is demonstrated with stable catalyst lifetime over 500 hours in a continuous flow system. In some applications a Guerbet condensation process is further utilized to yield a higher alcohol at a selectivity of near ˜90%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Applicant: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Karthikeyan K. Ramasamy, Mond F. Guo, Michel J. Gray, Senthil Subramaniam
  • Publication number: 20180215692
    Abstract: Methods, systems and catalysts for converting an alcohol containing feedstock to an upgraded material in a single catalyst bed wherein a feedstock is fed to a catalyst under preselected conditions to obtain an intermediate; and condensing the intermediate through an aldol condensation reaction to yield a product containing an upgraded material. In one instance the feedstock includes ethanol, the catalyst is a mixed metal oxide catalyst and the upgraded material is typically a C5+ ketone(s) or alcohol(s), such as 2-pentanone, 2-heptanone, 4-heptanone and 2-nonanone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Karthikeyan Kallupalayam Ramasamy, Michel J. Gray, Carlos A. Alvarez-Vasco, Mond F. Guo, Senthil Subramaniam
  • Patent number: 8907135
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to facilities, systems, methods and/or catalysts for use in chemical production. In particular, the disclosure provides innovations relating to dehydration of multihydric compounds such as glycerol to form acrolein. Some of these innovations include continuous reaction systems as well as system parameters that allow for long term production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: James J. Strohm, Alan H. Zacher, James F. White, Michel J. Gray, Vanessa Lebarbier
  • Patent number: 8742144
    Abstract: A method of reducing hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) where a starting material containing HMF in a solvent comprising water is provided. H2 is provided into the reactor and the starting material is contacted with a catalyst containing at least one metal selected from Ni, Co, Cu, Pd, Pt, Ru, Ir, Re and Rh, at a temperature of less than or equal to 250° C. A method of hydrogenating HMF includes providing an aqueous solution containing HMF and fructose. H2 and a hydrogenation catalyst are provided. The HMF is selectively hydrogenated relative to the fructose at a temperature at or above 30° C. A method of producing tetrahydrofuran dimethanol (THFDM) includes providing a continuous flow reactor having first and second catalysts and providing a feed comprising HMF into the reactor. The feed is contacted with the first catalyst to produce furan dimethanol (FDM) which is contacted with the second catalyst to produce THFDM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Michael A. Lilga, Richard T. Hallen, James F. White, Michel J. Gray
  • Publication number: 20130253227
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to facilities, systems, methods and/or catalysts for use in chemical production. In particular, the disclosure provides innovations relating to dehydration of multihydric compounds such as glycerol to form acrolein. Some of these innovations include continuous reaction systems as well as system parameters that allow for long term production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Battelle Momerial Institute
    Inventors: James J. Strohm, Alan H. Zacher, James F. White, Michel J. Gray, Vanessa Lebarbier
  • Patent number: 8530703
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to facilities, systems, methods and/or catalysts for use in chemical production. In particular, the disclosure provides innovations relating to dehydration of multihydric compounds such as glycerol to form acrolein. Some of these innovations include continuous reaction systems as well as system parameters that allow for long term production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: James J. Strohm, Alan H. Zacher, James F. White, Michel J. Gray, Vanessa Lebarbier
  • Patent number: 8367851
    Abstract: A method of reducing hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) where a starting material containing HMF in a solvent comprising water is provided. H2 is provided into the reactor and the starting material is contacted with a catalyst containing at least one metal selected from Ni, Co, Cu, Pd, Pt, Ru, Ir, Re and Rh, at a temperature of less than or equal to 250° C. A method of hydrogenating HMF includes providing an aqueous solution containing HMF and fructose. H2 and a hydrogenation catalyst are provided. The HMF is selectively hydrogenated relative to the fructose at a temperature at or above 30° C. A method of producing tetrahydrofuran dimethanol (THFDM) includes providing a continuous flow reactor having first and second catalysts and providing a feed comprising HMF into the reactor. The feed is contacted with the first catalyst to produce furan dimethanol (FDM) which is contacted with the second catalyst to produce THFDM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Michael A. Lilga, Richard T. Hallen, James F. White, Michel J. Gray
  • Patent number: 8193381
    Abstract: A method of oxidizing hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) includes providing a starting material which includes HMF in a solvent comprising water into a reactor. At least one of air and O2 is provided into the reactor. The starting material is contacted with the catalyst comprising Pt on a support material where the contacting is conducted at a reactor temperature of from about 50° C. to about 200° C. A method of producing an oxidation catalyst where ZrO2 is provided and is calcined. The ZrO2 is mixed with platinum (II) acetylacetonate to form a mixture. The mixture is subjected to rotary evaporation to form a product. The product is calcined and reduced under hydrogen to form an activated product. The activated product is passivated under a flow of 2% O2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Michael A. Lilga, Richard T. Hallen, Jianli Hu, James F. White, Michel J. Gray
  • Patent number: 8193382
    Abstract: A method of oxidizing hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) includes providing a starting material which includes HMF in a solvent comprising water into a reactor. At least one of air and O2 is provided into the reactor. The starting material is contacted with the catalyst comprising Pt on a support material where the contacting is conducted at a reactor temperature of from about 50° C. to about 200° C. A method of producing an oxidation catalyst where ZrO2 is provided and is calcined. The ZrO2 is mixed with platinum (II) acetylacetonate to form a mixture. The mixture is subjected to rotary evaporation to form a product. The product is calcined and reduced under hydrogen to form an activated product. The activated product is passivated under a flow of 2% O2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Michael A. Lilga, Richard T. Hallen, Jianli Hu, James F. White, Michel J. Gray
  • Publication number: 20110152582
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to facilities, systems, methods and/or catalysts for use in chemical production. In particular, the disclosure provides innovations relating to dehydration of multihydric compounds such as glycerol to form acrolein. Some of these innovations include continuous reaction systems as well as system parameters that allow for long term production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: James J. Strohm, Alan H. Zacher, James F. White, Michel J. Gray, Vanessa Lebarbier
  • Patent number: 7872158
    Abstract: Chemical production processes are provided that can include exposing a reactant composition to a catalyst composition to form a product composition. The reactant composition can include a multihydric alcohol compound and the product composition can include a carbonyl compound. The catalyst composition can include a metal effective to facilitate catalyst activation. Processes disclosed also include supplementing a dehydration catalyst with a promoter, and activating the supplemented catalyst in the presence of oxygen. Processes also include providing a supplemented dehydration catalyst to within a reactor, and exposing a multihydric alcohol compound to the dehydration catalyst, with the exposing forming coke within the reactor. Oxygen can be provided to the reactor to remove at least a portion of the coke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Thomas H. Peterson, Alan H. Zacher, Michel J. Gray, James F. White, Todd A. Werpy
  • Patent number: 7872159
    Abstract: Chemical production processes are provided that can include exposing a reactant composition to a catalyst composition to form a product composition. Catalyst compositions are also provided that can include metal phosphate compositions, metal phosphorous compositions, and/or solid support compositions with the solid support compositions including one or more of F—Al2O3, ZrO2—CO2, SiO2—Al2O3—CO2, SiO2 Al2O3, Alundum, and Silica such as Ludox AS-30.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Thomas H. Peterson, Alan H. Zacher, Michel J. Gray, James F. White, Todd A. Werpy
  • Publication number: 20100152470
    Abstract: A method of oxidizing hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) includes providing a starting material which includes HMF in a solvent comprising water into a reactor. At least one of air and O2 is provided into the reactor. The starting material is contacted with the catalyst comprising Pt on a support material where the contacting is conducted at a reactor temperature of from about 50° C. to about 200° C. A method of producing an oxidation catalyst where ZrO2 is provided and is calcined. The ZrO2 is mixed with platinum (II) acetylacetonate to form a mixture. The mixture is subjected to rotary evaporation to form a product. The product is calcined and reduced under hydrogen to form an activated product. The activated product is passivated under a flow of 2% O2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Michael A. Lilga, Richard T. Hallen, Jianli Hu, James F. White, Michel J. Gray
  • Publication number: 20100152469
    Abstract: A method of oxidizing hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) includes providing a starting material which includes HMF in a solvent comprising water into a reactor. At least one of air and O2 is provided into the reactor. The starting material is contacted with the catalyst comprising Pt on a support material where the contacting is conducted at a reactor temperature of from about 50° C. to about 200° C. A method of producing an oxidation catalyst where ZrO2 is provided and is calcined. The ZrO2 is mixed with platinum (II) acetylacetonate to form a mixture. The mixture is subjected to rotary evaporation to form a product. The product is calcined and reduced under hydrogen to form an activated product. The activated product is passivated under a flow of 2% O2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Michael A. Lilga, Richard T. Hallen, Jianli Hu, James F. White, Michel J. Gray
  • Patent number: 7700788
    Abstract: A method of oxidizing hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) includes providing a starting material which includes HMF in a solvent comprising water into a reactor. At least one of air and O2 is provided into the reactor. The starting material is contacted with the catalyst comprising Pt on a support material where the contacting is conducted at a reactor temperature of from about 50° C. to about 200° C. A method of producing an oxidation catalyst where ZrO2 is provided and is calcined. The ZrO2 is mixed with platinum (II) acetylacetonate to form a mixture. The mixture is subjected to rotary evaporation to form a product. The product is calcined and reduced under hydrogen to form an activated product. The activated product is passivated under a flow of 2% O2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Michael A. Lilga, Richard T. Hallen, Jianli Hu, James F. White, Michel J. Gray
  • Publication number: 20090054694
    Abstract: Chemical production processes are provided that include exposing a reactant composition to a catalyst composition to form a product composition, with the reactant composition including a multihydric alcohol compound and the catalyst composition being effective to dehydrate at least a portion of the multihydric alcohol compound. Embodiments of the process provide that the reactant composition is exposed to the catalyst composition for less than about 0.25 seconds and/or that the catalyst is maintained at a temperature of from about 280° C. to about 320° C. Processes utilizing a reactant composition including a multihydric alcohol compound and an inert compound are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas H. Peterson, Johnathan E. Holladay, Alan H. Zacher, Michel J. Gray, Todd A. Werpy, James F. White
  • Publication number: 20090054538
    Abstract: Chemical production processes are provided than can include exposing a reactant composition to a catalyst composition to form a product composition, with the reactant composition including a multihydric alcohol compound and product composition including a carbonyl compound. The catalyst composition can include one or more elements of groups 5 and 6 of the periodic table of elements. Catalyst compositions are provided that can include one or more of niobia, hydrated niobia, tungstic acid, phosphotungstic acid, and phosphomolybdic acid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas H. Peterson, Alan H. Zacher, Michel J. Gray, James F. White, Johnathon E. Holladay, Todd A. Werpy
  • Publication number: 20090054695
    Abstract: Chemical production processes are provided that can include exposing a reactant composition to a catalyst composition to form a product composition. The reactant composition can include a multihydric alcohol compound and the product composition can include a carbonyl compound. The catalyst composition can include a metal effective to facilitate catalyst activation. Processes disclosed also include supplementing a dehydration catalyst with a promoter, and activating the supplemented catalyst in the presence of oxygen. Processes also include providing a supplemented dehydration catalyst to within a reactor, and exposing a multihydric alcohol compound to the dehydration catalyst, with the exposing forming coke within the reactor. Oxygen can be provided to the reactor to remove at least a portion of the coke.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas H. Peterson, Alan H. Zacher, Michel J. Gray, James F. White, Todd A. Werpy