A Catalyst for for Butadiene Production from n-Butane

Readiness for Market

The Invention This technology is validated in the lab scale. It is at
TRL level 3. As next steps towards commercialization,
Is related to the enhancement of the production of validation and development of the selectivity and the
Butadiene from n-Butane over a new synthesized conversion is highly recommended. Conversion values
catalyst. would have to be improved for this invention
(currently 17.4%). Thorough look and development
studies are needed to investigate ways of enhancing
Market Need
the performance of this technology. Conversion
Butadiene market is expected to reach $33.01 Billion studies, catalyst functionality, and scaling up to pilot
by 2020 and Asia Pacific is the world’s largest market plant would also be needed.
[1] [2].
Table Below: Catalytic performances for the catalyst
technology at reaction temperature of 400oC. DH
stands for “dehydrogenation & isomerization”, BD:
1,3-butadiene, and OC: oxygenates & cracking.

n-C H conversion [%] 17.4

4 10
Selectivity [C%]
DH 82.5
1-C4H8 14.7
BD 46.3
OC 11.1
BD/DH 56.2
(1-C4= + BD)/DH 74.0
BD/ (1-C4= + BD) 75.9
BD yield 8.1
DH yield 14.3
[1] Grand View Research, 2016.
[2] Markets and Markets,
We are looking for a catalyst development partner to
GCC Market: 2015.
test and develop the technology for possible
commercialization / licensing.

Patent Protection
A patent application covering this catalyst technology
is filed in United States with No. 15487155.

About KFUPM
[3] Frost and Sullivan, 2012. King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals is
a leading educational organization for science
and technology. KFUPM Innovation & Industrial
Competitive Advantages
Relations is the IP management and technology
This technology has unique features, such as: licensing office tasked with taking innovation
• Standalone unit to produce 1,3-Butadiene.
from lab to marketplace.
• Higher selectivity (82.5% compared to 54.4%
for conventional methods)
• Lower Operating Condition (500oC compared
For further information please contact:
to 800oC for conventional methods)
Name Ammar Jamie
• Improved stability over time
Email Jamie@kfupm.edu.sa
Telephone +966 13 860 8760