Patents and Spin-offs
Please take a look at the patents of the Sels group, and the spin-off companies that were founded based on research in our group!
Zeopore Spin-off
Zeopore Technologies was conceived at the KU Leuven after Danny Verboekend discovered Zeopore’s core technologies in the group of Prof. Bert Sels. In the same group, Martin d’Halluin was closely working with Danny to explore the potential of the developed technologies. Both alumni form, together with Kurt du Mong, Zeopore’ founding team.
Zeopore aims to introduce the next generation of accessible (mesoporous) zeolite catalysts to the refining and petrochemical industry. To achieve this, Zeopore provides high-quality mesoporous zeolites at an affordable price tag. The company's zeolites combine ample mesoporosity with preserved intrinsic zeolitic properties and their technologies are highly scalable and cost-effective, and thus preserving the green character for which zeolites are renowned.
For more information, please take a look at: http://www.zeopore.com/
Process for preparing cyclic esters and cyclic amides
Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing a cyclic ester or a cyclic amide, comprising the step of: contacting at least one hydroxycarboxylic acid and/or at least one amino-carboxylic acid; or an ester, or salt thereof; wherein said hydroxycarboxylic acid is a 2-hydroxycarboxylic acid, or a 6-hydroxycarboxylic acid; and wherein said amino carboxylic acid is a 2-amino-carboxylic acid or a 6-amino-carboxylic acid; with at least one acidic zeolite comprising: two or three interconnected and non-parallel channel systems, wherein at least one of said channel systems comprises 10-or more-membered ring channels; and a framework Si/X2 ratio of at least 24 as measured by NMR; or three interconnected and non-parallel channel systems, wherein at least two of said channel systems comprise 10-or more-membered ring channels; and a framework Si/X2 ratio of at least 6 as measured by NMR; wherein each X is Al or B, and wherein the process is performed at a pressure between 0.5 and 20 bar.
Applicant: Total Research & Technology Feluy SA [BE]
Inventors: Bert Sels, Michiel Dusselier
Biphasic solvent catalytic process for the direct production of light naphtha from carbohydrate-containing feedstock
Abstract: The disclosure describes a one-step liquid biphasic catalytic process for converting a carbohydrate-containing feedstock, preferably lignocellulose, to light naphtha (e.g., hexane, pentane, methyl cyclopentane, cyclohexane, etc.) in the presence of an acidic reactive aqueous phase and a redox catalyst in the organic extracting/reaction phase. The process provides a cost-effective route for producing light-naphtha components, in presence or not of deoxygenates. The light naphtha components are useful as feedstock for steam and catalytic cracking to produce value-added platform molecules like ethylene and propylene, as precursor for the synthesis of bioaromatics like benzene and as gasoline fuel feedstock, and as fuel additives (e.g., the concomitantly formed oxygenates) to improve the biological origin of carbon in the fuel.
Applicant: KU Leuven Research & Development [BE]
Inventors: Michiel Dusselier, Beau Op de Beeck, Bert Sels
Single step lactide production process with recovering water by decantation
Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for synthesizing lactide, comprising the steps of: providing one or more components to at least one reactor, the one or more components comprising lactic acid and a solvent; - converting at least part of the lactic acid into lactide and water; recovering at least part of the lactide; and recovering at least part of the water; wherein the step of converting at least part of the lactic acid into lactide and water is performed in one step; and wherein the step of recovering at least part of the water comprises a decantation step, preferably with the proviso that the step of recovering at least part of the water does not comprise an azeotropic distillation step.
Applicant: Total Research & Technology Feluy [BE]
Inventors: Mahdi Yazdanpanah, Jamal Chaouki, Pieter Van Wouwe, Bert Sels
Single step lactide production process with heat recovery
Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for synthesizing lactide, comprising the steps of: adding thermal energy to at least one of one or more components; providing the one or more components to at least one reactor, the one or more components comprising lactic acid and at least one solvent; converting at least part of the lactic acid into lactide and water; recovering at least part of the lactide; - recovering at least part of the at least one solvent; recovering at least part of the thermal energy, wherein at least part of the recovered thermal energy is recovered from the recovered solvent; and adding the recovered thermal energy to at least one of the one or more components.
Applicant: Total Research & Technology Feluy [BE]
Inventors: Mahdi Yazdanpanah, Jamal Chaouki, Pieter Van Wouwe, Bert Sels
Single step lactide production process with hydrolysis of oligomers and catalyst by recovered water
Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for synthesizing lactide comprising the steps of: providing one or more components to at least one reactor, the one or more components comprising lactic acid; - converting at least part of the lactic acid into lactide and water and into lactic acid oligomers; recovering at least part of the lactide; recovering at least part of the water and at least part of the lactic acid oligomers; adding a feed, optionally comprising lactic acid oligomers, and optionally comprising water, to the recovered water and the recovered lactic acid oligomers, and mixing the feed with the recovered water and the recovered lactic acid oligomers to form a mixture; converting at least part of the lactic acid oligomers in the mixture into lactic acid and into lactic acid dimer; and removing at least part of the water from the mixture; whereby at least part of the remainder of the mixture is provided as one of the one or more components that are provided to the at least one reactor; and, wherein the step of converting at least part of the lactic acid into lactide and water is performed in one step.
Applicant: Total Research & Technology Feluy [BE]
Inventors: Mahdi Yazdanpanah, Jamal Chaouki, Pieter van Wouwe, Bert Sels
Single step lactide production process with separate entry for solvent
Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for synthesizing lactide, comprising the steps of: - adding thermal energy to at least one solvent; - providing one or more components to at least one reactor, the one or more components comprising lactic acid and the at least one solvent; - converting at least part of the lactic acid into lactide and water; and - recovering at least part of the lactide; wherein the step of adding thermal energy to the at least one solvent is performed prior to the step of adding the at least one solvent to the at least one reactor; wherein the at least one solvent is provided in the at least one reactor independently from the lactic acid by a separate entry into the at least one reactor; and, wherein the step of converting at least part of the lactic acid into lactide and water is performed in one step.
Applicant: Total Research & Technology Feluy [BE]
Inventors: Mahdi Yazdanpanah, Jamal Chaouki, Pieter van Wouwe, Bert Sels
Controlled alkaline treatments on molecular sieves
Abstract: This invention relates generally to a process to perform controlled alkaline treatments on inorganic porous solids, yielding superior physico-chemical and catalytic properties, whereas the particle and crystal size is not negatively influenced. Accordingly, the solids obtained in this fashion can be easily recovered from the alkaline solution. The latter being problematic in the state of the art.
Applicant: KU Leuven [BE]
Inventors: Bert Sels, Nicolas Nuttens, Danny Verboekend
Process for preparing secondary amides by carbonylation of a corresponding tertiary amine
Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing secondary amides with good selectivity by carbonylating a corresponding tertiary amine with carbon monoxide in a reaction mixture in the presence of a metal catalyst and in the presence of a halogen containing promoter. The metal catalyst comprises palladium. A same or even a much better catalytic activity can be obtained with palladium than with the much more expensive rhodium, especially when the palladium is used in a low concentration. Moreover, also a good selectivity can be achieved.
Applicant: Taminco [BE]
Inventors: Mondher Srasra, Pierre Jacobs, Bert Sels, Maria Christina Jacoba Tielen, Kristof Moonen, Peter Roose, Ivan Vanden Eynde
Production of 3-alkylphenols and uses thereof
Abstract: In general the present invention concerns a method for conversion of particular 4-alkyl-2- hydroxyphenols and 4-alkyl-2-alkoxyphenols into 3-alkylphenols. More specifically, this invention relates to a novel process of selectively forming meta-alkyl phenols of various alkylphenols, such as for instance converting the fraction of 4-alkyl-2-hydroxyphenols and 4- alkyl-2-alkoxyphenols into high yields of 3-alkylphenols.
Applicant: KU Leuven [BE]
Inventors: Wouter Schutyser, Bert Sels, Sander Van den Bosch
Cyclo-depolymerisation of polybutadiene
Abstract: In general the present invention concerns a method for cyclo-depolymerisation of polybutadiene to large macrocycles by metathesis catalysts. More specifically this invention relates to a novel process for the degradation by olefin metathesis, forming unsaturated macrocycles, prepared by metathesis of a 1,3-butadiene polymer, such as polybutadiene, or of polymers containing such 1,3-butadiene polymer and of rubbers or rubber compositions or rubber nanocomposites, for instance comprising butadiene.
Applicant: KU Leuven [BE]
Inventors: Annelies Dewaele, Tom Renders, Bert Sels
Process for the selective oxidation of methane
Abstract: The present invention is a process for converting methane to methanol, comprising: feeding methane and gaseous air or oxygen or gaseous air enriched with oxygen to a reactor under an elevated pressure; said reactor having an internal surface, made of silica or coated with silica, surrounding a zone in which said gases react; and reacting said gases in said reaction zone at an elevated temperature at conditions effective to produce methanol and /or valuable oxygenates. Advantageously the internal surface is made of quartz or coated with quartz Advantageously the internal surface, made of silica (advantageously quartz) or coated with silica (advantageously quartz), is treated with HF before the conversion of methane to methanol. Advantageously the reaction is carried out in the absence in said reaction zone of any added material which measurably affects the rate of the reaction or the yield of the product. Advantageously the reactor is operated under a pressure from 1 to 7.5 MPa. Advantageously the reactor is operated at a temperature from 300°C to 600°C. Advantageously the reactor is operated at a residence time from 0.1 to 100s. Advantageously the reactor is operated at a methane to oxygen molar ratio from 1 to 50. The present invention also relates to a reactor having an internal surface made of silica (advantageously quartz) or coated with silica (advantageously quartz)
Applicant: Total Petrochemicals Research Feluy [BE]
Inventors: Hendrik De Winne, Pierre Jacobs, Bert Sels, Walter Vermeiren
Systems and methods for synthesis of carbon nanotubes
Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods and porous substrates (hierarchical or not) for synthesis of carbon nanotubes. A fibrous material comprising such nanowires, use of such nanowires and a holder for such a substrate are also disclosed.
Applicant: KU Leuven [BE]
Inventors: Jin Won Seo, Ignaas Verpoest, Luis Gonzalez-Urbina, Roel Locus, Filip de Clippel, Bert Sels
Method For The Production Of Conjugated Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids With Heterogenous Catalysts
Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved process for the production of conjugated polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), preferably conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), using finely dispersed heterogeneous metal catalysts on a mesoporous support, in the absence of Hg. The present invention also relates to a method to increase the large microporosity and (optionally) the small mesoporosity of a zeolite, thus obtaining a modified zeolite having a large and highly accessible internal surface.
Applicant: KU Leuven [BE]
Inventors: Jan Geboers, Steven Goossens, An Philippaerts, Bert Sels
Solar Cells
Abstract: The present invention concerns an illumination system comprising radiation source that when operational emits radiation in wave length range below 280 nm to an emission element that comprises an assembly of oligo atomic metal clusters confined in molecular sieve for converting invisible radiation emitted by a radiation source at room temperature or an higher temperature to visible light and further a transparent envelope said illumination system.
Applicant: KU Leuven [BE]
Inventors: Gert De Cremer, Dirk De Vos, Johan Hofkens, Maarten Roeffaerts, Bert Sels, Tom Vosch, Lesley Pandey
Plasma mediated method for producing catalysts
Abstract: A method of producing an amorphous catalyst or catalyst precursor in the form of a powder having a surface area of from 0.1 m²/g to 50 m²/g which chemical composition comprises oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, optionally nitrogen, and at least a first and a second further elements, said method comprising: a. Generating an aerosol comprising a mixture of derivatives, said mixture of derivatives comprising at least one derivative per further element, each derivative being a derivative of at least one of said further elements, and at least one of said derivatives being an organic derivative, b. Diluting said aerosol by a gas, and c. Passing said diluted aerosol in a plasma generated between two electrodes, at least one of which being provided with a dielectric, thereby forming an amorphous catalyst or catalyst precursor on one of said electrodes.
Applicant: VITO NV [BE], KU Leuven [BE]
Inventors: Toon Witvrouwen, Sabine Paulussen, Bert Sels
Method for producing a N-substituted aziridine
Abstract: Preparation of N-unsubstituted aziridine (II) or N-substituted aziridine (III) comprises reacting an olefin compound (I) with ammonia or a primary amine compound (IV), in the presence of iodine or bromine, where the concentration of (IV) in the reaction mixture is = 1.1 mole. Preparation of N-unsubstituted aziridine of formula (II) or N-substituted aziridine of formula (III) comprises reacting an olefin compound of formula (C(R 1>)(R 2>)=C(R 3>)(R 4>)) (I) with ammonia or a primary amine compound of formula (R 5>NH2) (IV), in the presence of iodine or bromine, where the concentration of (IV) in the reaction mixture is = 1.1 mole. Either R 1>-R 4>H, 1-16C-alkyl, hydroxy-1-4C-alkyl, 5-7C-cycloalkyl, benzyl or phenyl (optionally substituted by CH 3O, OH, Cl or 1-4C-alkyl, in o, m, or p position); or R 1>R 3>, R 1>R 4>, R 2>R 3>, R 2>R 3>5-12-membered closed ring. [Image via link below]
Applicant: BASF SE [DE]
Inventors: Johann-Peter Melder, Martin Ernst, Till Gerlach, Ekkehard Schwab, Csaba Varszegi, Bert Sels, Dirk De Vos
Synthesis of zeolite crystals and formation of carbon nanostructures in patterned structures
Abstract: A method is described to incorporate zeolite crystals in patterned structures, the zeolite crystals having pores (channels) with an orientation which is defined by the topology of the zeolite crystal type and the geometry of the patterned structure, resulting in pores parallel with the length axis of the patterned structures. The patterned structures may be vias (vertical contacts) and trenches (horizontal lines) in a semiconductor substrate. Furthermore it is an advantage of the present invention to use these zeolite crystals for dense and aligned nanocarbon growth or in other words growth of carbon nanostructures such as carbon nanotubes (CNT) within the pores of the zeolite structure. The growth of CNT is achieved within the porous structure of the zeolite crystals whereby the pores can be defined as confined spaces (channels) in nanometer dimensions acting as a micro-reactor for CNT growth. An improved method for growing carbon nanostructures within zeolite crystals is described by adding, after creation of the zeolite crystals, a novel compound within the porous structure of the zeolite crystals whereby said novel compound is acting as a carbon source to create the carbon nanostructures. The improved growth method gives a significantly higher carbon density (yield) compared to state of the art techniques.
Applicant: IMEC [BE], KU Leuven [BE]
Inventors: Pierre Jacobs, Bert Sels, Jasper Van Noyen, Caroline Whelan, Karen Maex, Filip de Clippel
Light-emitting materials for electroluminescent devices
Abstract: A light emitting device comprising: an anode, a cathode and at least one layer or crystal comprising an assembly of metal oligoatomic clusters confined in microporous molecular sieves, the metal clusters capable of emitting electromagnetic radiation in response to an applied electrical voltage through the anode and the cathode, wherein said microporous molecular sieves are selected from the group consisting of zeolites, porous oxides, silicoaluminophosphates, aluminophosphates, gallophosphates, zincophosphates, titanosilicates and aluminosilicates or their mixtures.
Applicant: KU Leuven [BE]
Inventors: Gert De Cremer, Dirk De Vos, Johan Hofkens, Lesley Pandey, Maarten Roeffaerts, Bert Sels, Tom Vosch
Low temperature direct selective methane to methanol conversion
Abstract: Direct selective conversion of methane to methanol at low temperature (e.g. less than 300 degrees Celsius) is provided. The conversion is carried out at ambient pressure. An oxygen- activated catalyst is first created by heating a catalyst in an oxidizing environment. The oxygen-activated catalyst has at least one active site that is identified as a mono-(µ- oxo)dicupric core. Methane gas is subsequently passed over the oxygen-activated catalyst to directly form methanol. The active sites in the oxygen-activated catalyst could be regenerated after methanol removal and reused in the conversion process.
Applicant: Leland Stanford Junior University [US], KU Leuven [BE]
Inventors: Edward Solomon, Pieter Smeets, Julia Woertink, Robert Schoonheydt, Bert Sels
Catalytic process for the production of alcohols from biomass-related feedstock
Abstract: The present invention pertains generally to a catalytic technology for converting biomass- related feedstock into useful or value-added chemicals. More specifically, this invention relates to a catalytic process for the production of lower alcohols, and preferably for the production of C4 to C6 polyols from polysaccharides with ß-glycoside linkages. A particular aspect of the present invention relates to a single-step catalytic process, using a heterogeneous catalyst, to produce C4 to C6 polyols such as sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol and erythritol, mixtures thereof and their partially dehydrated and/or dehydrogenated products such as sorbitan, isosorbide and sorbose from polysaccharides containing ß-glycoside functionalities such as in cellulose, chitin and particular bacterial biopolymers. The heterogeneous catalyst which comprises non-noble transition metal(s) and acid carrier(s) is characterized by thermal pretreatment in a carbon-containing atmosphere in order to obtain increased sugar alcohol yields.
Applicant: KU Leuven [BE]
Inventors: Pierre Jacobs, Bert Sels, Stijn Van de Vyver
Catalytic process for the production of oxygenated hydrocarbons
Abstract: The invention relates generally to the production of oxygenated hydrocarbons such as lower alcohols and more preferably 1,2-propanediol. More particularly, this invention comprises a single-step catalytic process for the catalytic production of lower alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, ethylene glycol and 1,2-propanediol from glycerol in aqueous medium. The catalyst comprises a metal selected from the Group VIII transition metals, preferably platinum, alloys thereof and mixtures thereof and a microporous carrier, preferably a faujasite-type zeolite.
Applicant: KU Leuven [BE]
Inventors: Els D'Hondt, Pierre Jacobs, Bert Sels
Fatty acid triglycerides for making biocompatible coatings
Abstract: The invention relates to a mixture (a) of fatty acid triglycerides having a slip melting point above 500 C, the fatty acid composition of said mixture (a) comprising at least two different fatty acids and comprising from 20 to 95% by weight of saturated fatty acids and 80 to 5% by weight of unsaturated fatty acids, and wherein at least one fatty acid triglyceride (a1) from said mixture (a) bears the same saturated fatty acid residue on each position of the glycerol moiety and corresponds to at least 10% by weight of said mixture (a). This mixture is useful in the coating of medical devices to improve bio-compatibility, stability, and drug release.
Applicant: Ziscoat NV [BE]
Inventors: Pierre Jacobs, Bert Sels, Ivan de Scheerder
Saturated fatty acid triglyceride mixtures for making biocompatible coatings
Abstract: This invention relates to therapeutic compositions comprising transesterified triglycerides from substantially fully saturated fatty acids, which may be applied to medical devices such as expandable stents to provide suitable coating plasticity and integrity and controlled release of biologically active agents.
Applicant: Ziscoat NV [BE]
Inventors: Jurgen Sohier, Ivan de Scheerder, Bert Sels, Pierre Jacobs, Beau Op de Beeck