FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to fuel additives and fuel compositions containing fuel additives.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Fuel-borne catalysts are used to lower the activation energy required for effecting a combustion reaction. However, there are challenges in uniformly distributing these catalysts throughout the fuel in order to efficiently effect catalysis of the combustion reaction. Further, challenges exist in mitigating premature oxidation of the fuel, which may contribute to fouling of the fueling system.

SUMMARY

[0003] In one aspect, there is provided a liquid fuel additive composition comprising: a catalyst pre-cursor material, defined by at least one organic metal complex, wherein each one of the at least one organic metal complex, independently, includes an organic ligand that is coordinated to a metal of the metal complex. The organic ligand is derived from an ionic liquid.

[0004] In another aspect, there is provided a liquid fuel additive composition comprising: a catalyst pre-cursor material, defined by at least one organic metal complex, wherein each one of the at least one organic metal complex, independently, includes an organic ligand that is coordinated to a metal of the metal complex, and the metal and the organic ligand co-operate such that the catalyst pre-cursor material is configured for co-operating with an oxidant, for effecting a reactive process that produces a reaction product material that includes catalyst material, in response to contacting of the catalyst pre-cursor material with the oxidant within a reaction zone, only if the temperature within the reaction zone is greater than 150 degrees Celsius. [0005] In another aspect, there is provided a liquid fuel additive composition comprising: a catalyst pre-cursor material, defined by at least one organic metal complex, wherein each one of the at least one organic metal complex, independently, includes an organic ligand that is coordinated to a metal of the metal complex, and a carrier material, wherein the carrier material is a hydrocarbon material, wherein the volumetric ratio of the catalyst pre-cursor material to the carrier material is 1 : 19 to 1 : 1.

[0006] In another aspect, there is provided an additive-modified liquid fuel composition comprising a liquid fuel and any one of the liquid fuel additive compositions, as above-described.

[0007] In another aspect, there is provided an additive-modified liquid fuel composition comprising a liquid hydrocarbon material and a liquid fuel additive composition, wherein the liquid fuel additive composition includes a catalyst pre-cursor material defined by at least one organic metal complex, wherein each one of the at least one organic metal complex, independently, includes an organic ligand, derived from an ionic liquid. The organic ligand is co-ordinated to a metal of the metal complex.

[0008] In another aspect, there is provided an additive-modified liquid fuel composition comprising a liquid hydrocarbon material and a liquid fuel additive composition, wherein the liquid fuel additive composition includes a catalyst pre-cursor material defined by at least one organic metal complex, wherein: each one of the at least one organic metal complex, independently, includes an organic ligand that is co-ordinated to a metal of the metal complex, and the metal and the organic ligand co-operate such that the catalyst pre-cursor material is configured for co-operating with an oxidant, for effecting a reactive process that produces a reaction product material that includes catalyst material, in response to contacting of the catalyst pre-cursor material with the oxidant within a reaction zone, only if the temperature within the reaction zone is greater than 150 degrees Celsius.

[0009] In another aspect, there is provided a process for generating energy, including processing an additive-modified liquid fuel composition, including a liquid hydrocarbon material and a catalyst pre-cursor material, via a process configuration such that a combustion-ready fuel composition is obtained, and, during the processing, there is an absence of conversion of the catalyst pre-cursor material to a catalyst material effective for catalyzing combustion of the liquid hydrocarbon material, wherein the processing includes supplying of the combustion-ready fuel composition, derived from a source of the additive-modified liquid fuel composition, to a reaction zone.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] There is provided a liquid fuel additive composition comprising a catalyst precursor material and a carrier material.

[0011] The catalyst pre-cursor material is defined by at least one organic metal complex. Each one of the at least one organic metal complex, independently, includes an organic ligand that is co-ordinated to a metal of the metal complex.

[0012] In some embodiments, for example, the metal is a metal atom.

[0013] In some embodiments, for example, the metal is a metal ion. In some of these embodiments, for example, the metal ion is Cu ²⁺ .

[0014] In some embodiments, for example, the organic ligand is derived from an ionic liquid. In some embodiments, for example, the ionic liquid is a protic ionic liquid.

[0015] In some embodiments, for example, the ionic liquid is a compound of formula (I): Q-S; wherein:

Q is bonded to S via an ionic bond;

Q is of formula (II): wherein: each one of R ¹ , R ² , and R ³ , independently, is hydrogen or a methyl group, with the proviso that at least one of R ¹ , R ² , and R ³ is hydrogen; and

R ⁴ is an aliphatic group or an aryl group; and

S is of formula (III): wherein R ⁵ is an aliphatic group.

[0016] Exemplary ionic liquids include fatty acid cyclohexyl amine salts, such as, for example, cyclohexylammonium oleate, and cyclohexyl ammonium stearate.

[0017] In some embodiments, for example, the catalyst pre-cursor material is configured for co-operating with an oxidant (e.g. gaseous molecular oxygen), in response to contacting of the catalyst pre-cursor material with the oxidant, for effecting a reactive process that produces a reaction product material, wherein the reaction product material includes catalyst material. In some embodiments, for example, the metal and the organic ligand co-operate such that the catalyst pre-cursor material is configured for co-operating with an oxidant (e.g. gaseous molecular oxygen), for effecting a reactive process that produces a reaction product material that includes catalyst material, in response to contacting of the catalyst pre-cursor material with the oxidant within a reaction zone, only if the temperature within the reaction zone is greater than 150 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, for example, the obtained catalyst material is a metal oxide.

[0018] In some embodiments, for example, each one of the at least one organic metal complex, independently, has a structure represented by the following general formula (I): MLn wherein:

M represents a metal.

L represents an organic ligand; and n represents an integer of one (1) to four (4).

[0019] In this respect, the metal organic complex includes at least one ligand, and exemplary ligands include monodentate ligands, bidentate ligands, and polydentate ligands. In those embodiments where n is equal to one (1), in some of these embodiments, for example, the ligand is a bidentate ligand.

[0020] In those embodiments where n is at least two (2), in some of these embodiments, for example, all of the ligands are different.

[0021] In those embodiments where n is at least two (2), in some of these embodiments, for example, all of the ligands are identical.

[0022] In those embodiments where n is at least two (2), in some of these embodiments, for example, only some of the ligands are identical.

[0023] Exemplary organic metal complexes include:

(i) copper dioleate (CseHeeC Cu): (ii) copper tetracyclohexylammonium (C24H56N4CU):

[0024] The carrier material is a hydrocarbon material. The hydrocarbon material is defined by at least one hydrocarbon compound. In some embodiments, for example, each one of the at least one hydrocarbon compound, independently, has a total number of carbon atoms of at least five (5). In some embodiments, for example, for each one of the at least one hydrocarbon compound, independently, the total number of carbon atoms is from six (6) to 18 such as, for example, from six (6) to 16. Exemplary hydrocarbon compounds include n-alkanes, iso-alkanes, and cycloalkanes.

[0025] In some embodiments, for example, the viscosity of the hydrocarbon material is 0.22 centipoise to 3.2 centipoise, such as, for example, 0.31 centipoise to 2.5 centipoise, such as, for example, 0.31 centipoise to 2.0 centipoise. The hydrocarbon material contributes to viscosity reduction in the liquid fuel additive composition for enhancing processability.

[0026] In some embodiments, for example, for establishing the liquid fuel additive composition, the catalyst pre-cursor material and the carrier material interact via London dispersion forces, ion-dipole interactions, or both of London dispersion forces and ion-dipole interactions.

[0027] In some embodiments, for example, the liquid fuel additive composition includes five (5) volume % to 50 volume % of catalyst pre-cursor material, based on the total volume of the liquid fuel additive composition (such as, for example, five (5) volume % to 15 volume % of catalyst pre-cursor material, based on the total volume of the liquid fuel additive composition), and also includes 50 volume % to 95 volume % of carrier material, based on the total volume of the liquid fuel additive composition (such as, for example, 85 volume % to 95 volume % of carrier material, based on the total volume of the liquid fuel additive composition). In some embodiments, for example, within the liquid fuel additive composition, the volumetric ratio of the catalyst precursor material to the carrier material is 1 : 19 to 1 : 1, such as, for example, 1 : 19 to 1 :5.67.

[0028] In some embodiments, for example, the liquid fuel additive composition is produced in accordance with a process comprising: admixing an ionic liquid with the carrier material, such that a metal extraction-effective liquid material is obtained; contacting a source of the metal with the metal extraction-effective liquid material, with effect that the liquid fuel additive composition is produced.

[0029] In some embodiments, for example, for establishing the metal extraction-effective liquid material, the ionic liquid and the carrier material interact via London dispersion forces, iondipole interactions, or both of London dispersion forces and ion-dipole interactions

[0030] In some embodiments, for example, the relatively low viscosity of the carrier material enhances transportability (e.g. diffusion) of the metal extraction-effective liquid material towards the metal source for increasing the rate at which the liquid fuel additive composition is produced.

[0031] In some embodiments, for example, the contacting of the metal source with the metal extraction-effective liquid material is with effect that a reactive process is effected. In this respect, in some embodiments, for example, in response to the contacting, a reactive process is effected such that the liquid fuel additive composition is produced.

[0032] In some embodiments, for example, the contacting is effected by passing the metal extraction-effective liquid material through a series of packed columns containing copper mesh rolls. In some embodiments, for example, a recirculating liquid material, including the metal extraction-effective liquid material, is recirculated through the packed columns, such that the concentration of the liquid fuel additive composition progressively increases over time.

[0033] The liquid fuel additive composition is configured for admixing with a liquid fuel to produce an additive-modified liquid fuel composition. In some embodiments, for example, the hydrocarbon material of the liquid fuel additive composition is a first hydrocarbon material and the liquid fuel defines a second hydrocarbon material, and the second hydrocarbon material is defined by at least one hydrocarbon compound. In some embodiments, for example, each one of the at least one hydrocarbon compound of the second hydrocarbon material, independently, has a total number of carbon atoms of at least four (4). In some embodiments, for example, for each one of the at least one hydrocarbon compound of the second hydrocarbon material, independently, the total number of carbon atoms is from four (4) to 22, such as, for example, from six (6) to 18. In some embodiments, for example, the first hydrocarbon material is identical to the second hydrocarbon material. In some embodiments, for example, the first hydrocarbon material is different from the second hydrocarbon material. In some embodiments, for example, the first hydrocarbon material and the second hydrocarbon material are co-operatively configured such that liquid fuel additive composition is miscible with the liquid fuel. In some embodiments, for example, there is an absence of adverse effect on combustion of the liquid fuel by the first hydrocarbon material. In some embodiments, for example, the liquid fuel is diesel.

[0034] In this respect, in some embodiments, for example, an additive-modified liquid fuel composition is provided and includes the liquid fuel (e.g. diesel) and the liquid fuel additive composition. The liquid fuel and the liquid fuel additive composition interact via London dispersion forces that are effective for establishing miscibility of the liquid fuel additive composition within the liquid fuel. In some embodiments, for example, the additive-modified liquid fuel composition includes 96.7 volume % to 99.5 volume % of the liquid fuel, based on the total volume of the additive-modified liquid fuel composition (such as, for example, 97.5 volume % to 99.3 volume % of the liquid fuel, based on the total volume of the additive-modified liquid fuel composition), and also includes 0.5 volume % to 3.3 volume % of the liquid fuel additive composition, based on the total volume of the additive-modified liquid fuel composition (such as, for example, 0.7 volume % to 2.5 volume % of the liquid fuel additive composition, based on the total volume of the additive-modified liquid fuel composition). In some embodiments, for example, within the additive-modified liquid fuel composition, the volumetric ratio of the liquid fuel to the liquid fuel additive composition is 1 :29 to 1 : 199, such as, for example, 1 :39 to 1 : 149.

[0035] In some embodiments, for example, an additive-modified liquid fuel composition is provided and includes a liquid hydrocarbon material and the catalyst pre-cursor material. In some embodiments, for example, the liquid hydrocarbon material is defined by at least one hydrocarbon compound. In some embodiments, for example, each one of the at least one hydrocarbon compound of the liquid hydrocarbon material, independently, has a total number of carbon atoms of at least four (4). In some embodiments, for example, for each one of the at least one hydrocarbon compound of the liquid hydrocarbon material, independently, the total number of carbon atoms is from four (4) to 22, such as, for example, from six (6) to 18. In some embodiments, for example, the additive-modified liquid fuel composition comprises at least 95 volume % of the liquid hydrocarbon material, based on the total volume of the additive-modified liquid fuel composition, such as, for example, at least 96 volume % of the liquid hydrocarbon material, based on the total volume of the additive-modified liquid fuel composition, such as, for example, at least 97 volume % of the liquid hydrocarbon material, based on the total volume of the additive-modified liquid fuel composition, such as, for example, at least 98 volume % of the liquid hydrocarbon material, based on the total volume of the additive-modified liquid fuel composition, such as, for example, at least 99 volume % of the liquid hydrocarbon material, based on the total volume of the additive-modified liquid fuel composition. In some embodiments, for example, the liquid hydrocarbon material is the liquid fuel. In some embodiments, for example, the concentration of the metal (of the catalyst pre-cursor material) within the additive-modified liquid fuel composition is at least 0.10 mmol/L. In some embodiments, for example, the concentration of the metal (of the catalyst pre-cursor material) within the additive-modified liquid fuel composition is 0.10 mmol/L to 1.0 mmol/L, such as, for example 0.15 mmol/L to 0.85 mmol/L. [0036] In some embodiments, for example, a process is provided for generating energy, including contacting a combustion-ready fuel composition with an oxidant. In some embodiments, for example, the contacting is effected within a reaction zone. In some embodiments, for example, the reaction zone is disposed at a temperature of at least 150 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, for example, the reaction zone is disposed within a combustion chamber. The contacting of the combustion-ready fuel composition with the oxidant is with effect that the catalyst material is produced, which, in turn, effects catalysis of the combustion of the liquid fuel. The combustion-ready fuel composition is derived from the additive-modified liquid fuel composition. In some embodiments, for example, the combustion-ready fuel composition is the additive-modified liquid fuel composition.

[0037] In some embodiments, for example, the process further includes processing the additive-modified liquid fuel composition via a process configuration such that the combustionready fuel composition is obtained, and, during the processing, there is an absence of conversion of the catalyst pre-cursor catalyst material to a catalyst material effective for catalyzing combustion of the liquid fuel. The processing includes supplying of the combustion -ready fuel composition, derived from a source of the additive-modified liquid fuel composition, to the reaction zone. In some embodiments, for example, during the processing, the temperature of the additive-modified fuel composition is only below 150 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, for example, during the processing, there is an absence of contacting of the additive-modified liquid fuel composition with an oxidant (such that, in some embodiments, for example, there is an absence of conversion of the catalyst pre-cursor material to a metal oxide). In some embodiments, for example, prior to the processing, the process includes admixing the liquid fuel additive composition with the liquid fuel to obtain the source of the additive-modified liquid fuel composition. By avoiding conversion of the catalyst pre-cursor material to the catalyst material, premature combustion of the liquid fuel is avoided, which could, amongst other things, result, for example, in fouling of process equipment.

[0038] In the above description, for purposes of explanation, numerous details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. Although certain dimensions and materials are described for implementing the disclosed example embodiments, other suitable dimensions and/or materials may be used within the scope of this disclosure. All such modifications and variations, including all suitable current and future changes in technology, are believed to be within the sphere and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, it will be understood that certain adaptations and modifications of the described embodiments can be made and that the above discussed embodiments are considered to be illustrative and not restrictive. All references mentioned are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.