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Catalysis for Biomass Conversion

Works Count: 31717

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This cluster of papers focuses on the catalytic conversion of biomass into fuels and chemicals, utilizing renewable resources and green chemistry principles. The research covers a wide range of topics including the production of platform chemicals, liquid fuels, and value-added products using heterogeneous catalysts, hydrogenolysis, and ionic liquids.

Keywords

Biomass; Catalytic Conversion; Renewable Resources; Platform Chemicals; Green Chemistry; Liquid Fuels; Heterogeneous Catalysts; Hydrogenolysis; Ionic Liquids; Value-Added Products

Sustainability: Don't waste seafood waste

2015-08-01

Ning Yan , Xi Chen

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Zeolite and molecular sieve synthesis

1992-07-01

Mark E. Davis , Raúl F. Lobo

ADVERTISEMENT RETURN TO ISSUEPREVArticleNEXTZeolite and molecular sieve synthesisMark E. Davis and Raul F. LoboCite this: Chem. Mater. 1992, 4, 4, 756–768Publication Date (Print):July 1, 1992Publication History Published online1 May 2002Published … ADVERTISEMENT RETURN TO ISSUEPREVArticleNEXTZeolite and molecular sieve synthesisMark E. Davis and Raul F. LoboCite this: Chem. Mater. 1992, 4, 4, 756–768Publication Date (Print):July 1, 1992Publication History Published online1 May 2002Published inissue 1 July 1992https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/cm00022a005https://doi.org/10.1021/cm00022a005research-articleACS PublicationsRequest reuse permissionsArticle Views14479Altmetric-Citations1242LEARN ABOUT THESE METRICSArticle Views are the COUNTER-compliant sum of full text article downloads since November 2008 (both PDF and HTML) across all institutions and individuals. These metrics are regularly updated to reflect usage leading up to the last few days.Citations are the number of other articles citing this article, calculated by Crossref and updated daily. Find more information about Crossref citation counts.The Altmetric Attention Score is a quantitative measure of the attention that a research article has received online. Clicking on the donut icon will load a page at altmetric.com with additional details about the score and the social media presence for the given article. Find more information on the Altmetric Attention Score and how the score is calculated. Share Add toView InAdd Full Text with ReferenceAdd Description ExportRISCitationCitation and abstractCitation and referencesMore Options Share onFacebookTwitterWechatLinked InRedditEmail Other access optionsGet e-Alertsclose Get e-Alerts

Hydrolysis of Cellulose by Amorphous Carbon Bearing SO3H, COOH, and OH Groups

2008-08-29

Satoshi Suganuma , Kiyotaka Nakajima , Masaaki Kitano +4 more

The hydrolysis of cellulose into saccharides using a range of solid catalysts is investigated for potential application in the environmentally benign saccharification of cellulose. Crystalline pure cellulose is not hydrolyzed … The hydrolysis of cellulose into saccharides using a range of solid catalysts is investigated for potential application in the environmentally benign saccharification of cellulose. Crystalline pure cellulose is not hydrolyzed by conventional strong solid Brønsted acid catalysts such as niobic acid, H-mordenite, Nafion and Amberlyst-15, whereas amorphous carbon bearing SO3H, COOH, and OH function as an efficient catalyst for the reaction. The apparent activation energy for the hydrolysis of cellulose into glucose using the carbon catalyst is estimated to be 110 kJ mol−1, smaller than that for sulfuric acid under optimal conditions (170 kJ mol−1). The carbon catalyst can be readily separated from the saccharide solution after reaction for reuse in the reaction without loss of activity. The catalytic performance of the carbon catalyst is attributed to the ability of the material to adsorb β-1,4 glucan, which does not adsorb to other solid acids.

Designing bimetallic catalysts for a green and sustainable future

2012-01-01

Meenakshisundaram Sankar , Nikolaos Dimitratos , Peter J. Miedziak +3 more

This Critical Review provides an overview of the recent developments in the synthesis and characterization of bimetallic nanoparticles. Initially the review follows a materials science perspective on preparing bimetallic nanoparticles … This Critical Review provides an overview of the recent developments in the synthesis and characterization of bimetallic nanoparticles. Initially the review follows a materials science perspective on preparing bimetallic nanoparticles with designer morphologies, after which the emphasis shifts towards recent developments in using these bimetallic particles for catalysing either oxidation or reduction. In the final part of this review we present an overview of the utilization of bimetallic catalyst systems for the transformation of bio-renewable substrates and reactions related to the realization of a bio-refinery. Because of the sheer number of examples of transformations in this area, a few key examples, namely selective oxidation, hydrogenation/hydrogenolysis and reforming of biomass derived molecules, have been chosen for this review. Reports of bimetallic catalysts being used for the aforementioned transformations are critically analysed and the potential for exploiting such bimetallic catalysts have also been highlighted. A specific objective of this review article is to motivate researchers to synthesize some of the "designer" bimetallic catalysts with specific nanostructures, inspired from recent advances in the area of materials chemistry, and to utilize them for the transformation of biomass derived materials that are very complex and pose different challenges compared to those of simple organic molecules. We consider that supported bimetallic nanoparticles have an important role to play as catalysts in our quest for a more green and sustainable society.

Conversion of Sugars to Lactic Acid Derivatives Using Heterogeneous Zeotype Catalysts

2010-04-29

Martin Spangsberg Holm , Shunmugavel Saravanamurugan , Esben Taarning

Presently, very few compounds of commercial interest are directly accessible from carbohydrates by using nonfermentive approaches. We describe here a catalytic process for the direct formation of methyl lactate from … Presently, very few compounds of commercial interest are directly accessible from carbohydrates by using nonfermentive approaches. We describe here a catalytic process for the direct formation of methyl lactate from common sugars. Lewis acidic zeotypes, such as Sn-Beta, catalyze the conversion of mono- and disaccharides that are dissolved in methanol to methyl lactate at 160 degrees C. With sucrose as the substrate, methyl lactate yield reaches 68%, and the heterogeneous catalyst can be easily recovered by filtration and reused multiple times after calcination without any substantial change in the product selectivity.

Phase Modifiers Promote Efficient Production of Hydroxymethylfurfural from Fructose

2006-06-30

Yuriy Román‐Leshkov , Juben N. Chheda , James A. Dumesic

Furan derivatives obtained from renewable biomass resources have the potential to serve as substitutes for the petroleum-based building blocks that are currently used in the production of plastics and fine … Furan derivatives obtained from renewable biomass resources have the potential to serve as substitutes for the petroleum-based building blocks that are currently used in the production of plastics and fine chemicals. We developed a process for the selective dehydration of fructose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) that operates at high fructose concentrations (10 to 50 weight %), achieves high yields (80% HMF selectivity at 90% fructose conversion), and delivers HMF in a separation-friendly solvent. In a two-phase reactor system, fructose is dehydrated in the aqueous phase with the use of an acid catalyst (hydrochloric acid or an acidic ion-exchange resin) with dimethylsulfoxide and/or poly(1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone) added to suppress undesired side reactions. The HMF product is continuously extracted into an organic phase (methylisobutylketone) modified with 2-butanol to enhance partitioning from the reactive aqueous solution.

Sn-zeolite beta as a heterogeneous chemoselective catalyst for Baeyer–Villiger oxidations

2001-07-26

Avelino Corma , László Németh , Michael Renz +1 more

Ethylene glycol: properties, synthesis, and applications

2012-01-01

Hairong Yue , Yujun Zhao , Xinbin Ma +1 more

Ethylene glycol (EG) is an important organic compound and chemical intermediate used in a large number of industrial processes (e.g. energy, plastics, automobiles, and chemicals). Indeed, owing to its unique … Ethylene glycol (EG) is an important organic compound and chemical intermediate used in a large number of industrial processes (e.g. energy, plastics, automobiles, and chemicals). Indeed, owing to its unique properties and versatile commercial applications, a variety of chemical systems (e.g., catalytic and non-catalytic) have been explored for the synthesis of EG, particularly via reaction processes derived from fossil fuels (e.g., petroleum, natural gas, and coal) and biomass-based resources. This critical review describes a broad spectrum of properties of EG and significant advances in the prevalent synthesis and applications of EG, with emphases on the catalytic reactivity and reaction mechanisms of the main synthetic methodologies and applied strategies. We also provide an overview regarding the challenges and opportunities for future research associated with EG.

Chemical Routes for the Transformation of Biomass into Chemicals

2007-05-30

Avelino Corma , Sara Iborra , Alexandra Velty

ADVERTISEMENT RETURN TO ISSUEPREVArticleNEXTChemical Routes for the Transformation of Biomass into ChemicalsAvelino Corma, Sara Iborra, and Alexandra VeltyView Author Information Instituto de Tecnología Química, UPV-CSIC, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Avenida … ADVERTISEMENT RETURN TO ISSUEPREVArticleNEXTChemical Routes for the Transformation of Biomass into ChemicalsAvelino Corma, Sara Iborra, and Alexandra VeltyView Author Information Instituto de Tecnología Química, UPV-CSIC, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Avenida de los Naranjos, s/n, Valencia, Spain Cite this: Chem. Rev. 2007, 107, 6, 2411–2502Publication Date (Web):May 30, 2007Publication History Received31 January 2007Published online30 May 2007Published inissue 1 June 2007https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/cr050989dhttps://doi.org/10.1021/cr050989dresearch-articleACS PublicationsCopyright © 2007 American Chemical SocietyRequest reuse permissionsArticle Views55308Altmetric-Citations5138LEARN ABOUT THESE METRICSArticle Views are the COUNTER-compliant sum of full text article downloads since November 2008 (both PDF and HTML) across all institutions and individuals. These metrics are regularly updated to reflect usage leading up to the last few days.Citations are the number of other articles citing this article, calculated by Crossref and updated daily. Find more information about Crossref citation counts.The Altmetric Attention Score is a quantitative measure of the attention that a research article has received online. Clicking on the donut icon will load a page at altmetric.com with additional details about the score and the social media presence for the given article. Find more information on the Altmetric Attention Score and how the score is calculated. Share Add toView InAdd Full Text with ReferenceAdd Description ExportRISCitationCitation and abstractCitation and referencesMore Options Share onFacebookTwitterWechatLinked InRedditEmail Other access optionsGet e-Alertsclose SUBJECTS:Alcohols,Carbohydrates,Catalysts,Lipids,Selectivity Get e-Alerts

Conversion of biomass to selected chemical products

2011-09-12

P. Gallezot

This critical review provides a survey illustrated by recent references of different strategies to achieve a sustainable conversion of biomass to bioproducts. Because of the huge number of chemical products … This critical review provides a survey illustrated by recent references of different strategies to achieve a sustainable conversion of biomass to bioproducts. Because of the huge number of chemical products that can be potentially manufactured, a selection of starting materials and targeted chemicals has been done. Also, thermochemical conversion processes such as biomass pyrolysis or gasification as well as the synthesis of biofuels were not considered. The synthesis of chemicals by conversion of platform molecules obtained by depolymerisation and fermentation of biopolymers is presently the most widely envisioned approach. Successful catalytic conversion of these building blocks into intermediates, specialties and fine chemicals will be examined. However, the platform molecule value chain is in competition with well-optimised, cost-effective synthesis routes from fossil resources to produce chemicals that have already a market. The literature covering alternative value chains whereby biopolymers are converted in one or few steps to functional materials will be analysed. This approach which does not require the use of isolated, pure chemicals is well adapted to produce high tonnage products, such as paper additives, paints, resins, foams, surfactants, lubricants, and plasticisers. Another objective of the review was to examine critically the green character of conversion processes because using renewables as raw materials does not exempt from abiding by green chemistry principles (368 references).

Valorization of Biomass: Deriving More Value from Waste

2012-08-09

Christopher Tuck , Eduardo Pérez , István T. Horváth +2 more

Most of the carbon-based compounds currently manufactured by the chemical industry are derived from petroleum. The rising cost and dwindling supply of oil have been focusing attention on possible routes … Most of the carbon-based compounds currently manufactured by the chemical industry are derived from petroleum. The rising cost and dwindling supply of oil have been focusing attention on possible routes to making chemicals, fuels, and solvents from biomass instead. In this context, many recent studies have assessed the relative merits of applying different dedicated crops to chemical production. Here, we highlight the opportunities for diverting existing residual biomass--the by-products of present agricultural and food-processing streams--to this end.

Biofuels and Biomass‐To‐Liquid Fuels in the Biorefinery: Catalytic Conversion of Lignocellulosic Biomass using Porous Materials

2008-10-20

Michael Stöcker

Abstract At a time when the focus is on global warming, CO 2 emission, secure energy supply, and less consumption of fossil‐based fuels, the use of renewable energy resources is … Abstract At a time when the focus is on global warming, CO 2 emission, secure energy supply, and less consumption of fossil‐based fuels, the use of renewable energy resources is essential. Various biomass resources are discussed that can deliver fuels, chemicals, and energy products. The focus is on the catalytic conversion of biomass from wood. The challenges involved in the processing of lignocellulose‐rich materials will be highlighted, along with the application of porous materials as catalysts for the biomass‐to‐liquids (BTL) fuels in biorefineries. The mechanistic understanding of the complex reactions that take place, the development of catalysts and processes, and the product spectrum that is envisaged will be discussed, along with a sustainable concept for biorefineries based on lignocellulose. Finally, the current situation with respect to upgrading of the process technology (pilot and commercial units) will be addressed.

Simple Chemical Transformation of Lignocellulosic Biomass into Furans for Fuels and Chemicals

2009-01-21

Joseph B. Binder , Ronald T. Raines

Lignocellulosic biomass is a plentiful and renewable resource for fuels and chemicals. Despite this potential, nearly all renewable fuels and chemicals are now produced from edible resources, such as starch, … Lignocellulosic biomass is a plentiful and renewable resource for fuels and chemicals. Despite this potential, nearly all renewable fuels and chemicals are now produced from edible resources, such as starch, sugars, and oils; the challenges imposed by notoriously recalcitrant and heterogeneous lignocellulosic feedstocks have made their production from nonfood biomass inefficient and uneconomical. Here, we report that N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMA) containing lithium chloride (LiCl) is a privileged solvent that enables the synthesis of the renewable platform chemical 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) in a single step and unprecedented yield from untreated lignocellulosic biomass, as well as from purified cellulose, glucose, and fructose. The conversion of cellulose into HMF is unabated by the presence of other biomass components, such as lignin and protein. Mechanistic analyses reveal that loosely ion-paired halide ions in DMA−LiCl are critical for the remarkable rapidity (1−5 h) and yield (up to 92%) of this low-temperature (≤140 °C) process. The simplicity of this chemical transformation of lignocellulose contrasts markedly with the complexity of extant bioprocesses and provides a new paradigm for the use of biomass as a raw material for a renewable energy and chemical industries.

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Green and sustainable manufacture of chemicals from biomass: state of the art

2013-11-27

Roger A. Sheldon

The various strategies for the valorisation of waste biomass to platform chemicals, and the underlying developments in chemical and biological catalysis which make this possible, are critically reviewed. The option … The various strategies for the valorisation of waste biomass to platform chemicals, and the underlying developments in chemical and biological catalysis which make this possible, are critically reviewed. The option involving the least changes to the status quo is the drop-in strategy of complete deoxygenation to petroleum hydrocarbons and further processing using existing technologies. The alternative, redox economic approach, is direct conversion of, for example, carbohydrates to oxygenates by fermentation or chemocatalytic processes. Examples of both approaches are described, e.g. fermentation of carbohydrates to produce hydrocarbons, lower alcohols, diols and carboxylic acids or acid catalyzed hydrolysis of hexoses to hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF) and subsequent conversion to levulinic acid (LA), γ-valerolactone (GVL) and furan dicarboxylic acid (FDCA). Three possible routes for producing a bio-based equivalent of the large volume polymer, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are delineated. Valorisation of waste protein could, in the future, form an important source of amino acids, such as L-glutamic acid and L-lysine, as platform chemicals, which in turn can be converted to nitrogen containing commodity chemicals. Glycerol, the coproduct of biodiesel manufacture from triglycerides, is another waste stream for which valorisation to commodity chemicals, such as epichlorohydrin and acrolein, is an attractive option.

Chemical and Structural Properties of Carbonaceous Products Obtained by Hydrothermal Carbonization of Saccharides

2009-02-26

Marta Sevilla , Antonio B. Fuertes

Carbon-rich-quick scheme: A carbon-rich solid product made up of uniform micrometer-sized spheres of tunable diameter has been synthesized by the hydrothermal carbonization of saccharides. These microspheres possess a core-shell chemical … Carbon-rich-quick scheme: A carbon-rich solid product made up of uniform micrometer-sized spheres of tunable diameter has been synthesized by the hydrothermal carbonization of saccharides. These microspheres possess a core-shell chemical structure based on the different nature of the oxygen functionalities between the core and the outer layer (see figure).A carbon-rich solid product, here denoted as hydrochar, has been synthesized by the hydrothermal carbonization of three different saccharides (glucose, sucrose, and starch) at temperatures ranging from 170 to 240 degrees C. This material is made up of uniform spherical micrometer-sized particles that have a diameter in the 0.4-6 mum range, which can be modulated by modifying the synthesis conditions (i.e., the concentration of the aqueous saccharide solution, the temperature of the hydrothermal treatment, the reaction time, and type of saccharide). The formation of the carbon-rich solid through the hydrothermal carbonization of saccharides is the consequence of dehydration, condensation, or polymerization and aromatization reactions. The microspheres thus obtained possess, from a chemical point of view, a core-shell structure consisting of a highly aromatic nucleus (hydrophobic) and a hydrophilic shell containing a high concentration of reactive oxygen functional groups (i.e., hydroxyl/phenolic, carbonyl, or carboxylic).

From Glycerol to Value‐Added Products

2007-04-30

Mario Pagliaro , Rosaria Ciriminna , Hiroshi Kimura +2 more

Abstract Today, industrial plants that produce glycerol are closing down and others are opening that use glycerol as a raw material, owing to the large surplus of glycerol formed as … Abstract Today, industrial plants that produce glycerol are closing down and others are opening that use glycerol as a raw material, owing to the large surplus of glycerol formed as a by‐product during the production of biodiesel. Research efforts to find new applications of glycerol as a low‐cost feedstock for functional derivatives have led to the introduction of a number of selective processes for converting glycerol into commercially valued products. This Minireview describes a selection of such achievements and shows how glycerol will be a central raw material in future chemical industries.

Gamma-valerolactone, a sustainable platform molecule derived from lignocellulosic biomass

2013-01-01

David Martín Alonso , Stephanie G. Wettstein , James A. Dumesic

Lignocellulosic biomass typically contains more than 50 wt% sugars that can be upgraded to valuable platform molecules, such as levulinic acid (LA) and gamma-valerolactone (GVL). This article focuses on upgrading … Lignocellulosic biomass typically contains more than 50 wt% sugars that can be upgraded to valuable platform molecules, such as levulinic acid (LA) and gamma-valerolactone (GVL). This article focuses on upgrading GVL produced from lignocellulosic biomass to various chemicals and fuels, such as polymers, fuel additives, and jet fuel. We also review the use of GVL as a solvent for biomass processing, which led to significant improvements in product yields and a more simplified process for producing biomass-derived chemicals such as LA, furfural, and hydroxymethylfurfural.

Chemoselective catalytic conversion of glycerol as a biorenewable source to valuable commodity chemicals

2007-11-22

Chunhui Zhou , Jorge Beltramini , Yongxian Fan +1 more

New opportunities for the conversion of glycerol into value-added chemicals have emerged in recent years as a result of glycerol's unique structure, properties, bioavailability, and renewability. Glycerol is currently produced … New opportunities for the conversion of glycerol into value-added chemicals have emerged in recent years as a result of glycerol's unique structure, properties, bioavailability, and renewability. Glycerol is currently produced in large amounts during the transesterification of fatty acids into biodiesel and as such represents a useful by-product. This paper provides a comprehensive review and critical analysis on the different reaction pathways for catalytic conversion of glycerol into commodity chemicals, including selective oxidation, selective hydrogenolysis, selective dehydration, pyrolysis and gasification, steam reforming, thermal reduction into syngas, selective transesterification, selective etherification, oligomerization and polymerization, and conversion of glycerol into glycerol carbonate.

Improved utilisation of renewable resources: New important derivatives of glycerol

2007-11-12

Arno Behr , Jens Eilting , Ken Irawadi +2 more

Although glycerol has been a well-known renewable chemical for centuries, its commercial relevance has increased considerably in the last few years because of its rising inevitable formation as a by-product … Although glycerol has been a well-known renewable chemical for centuries, its commercial relevance has increased considerably in the last few years because of its rising inevitable formation as a by-product of biodiesel production. The present review gives a broad overview on the chemistry of glycerol starting from the classic esters and oligomers to new products like glycerol carbonate, telomers, branched alkyl ethers, propanediols and epoxides. In particular, the novel possibilities to control the numerous addition, reduction and oxidation reactions via heterogeneous, homogeneous and biocatalysis will be presented. A benchmark will be given to determine the products which will have the best chances of entering the market and which processes are currently most developed.

Tin-containing zeolites are highly active catalysts for the isomerization of glucose in water

2010-03-22

Manuel Moliner , Yuriy Román‐Leshkov , Mark E. Davis

The isomerization of glucose into fructose is a large-scale reaction for the production of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS; reaction performed by enzyme catalysts) and recently is being considered as an … The isomerization of glucose into fructose is a large-scale reaction for the production of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS; reaction performed by enzyme catalysts) and recently is being considered as an intermediate step in the possible route of biomass to fuels and chemicals. Here, it is shown that a large-pore zeolite that contains tin (Sn-Beta) is able to isomerize glucose to fructose in aqueous media with high activity and selectivity. Specifically, a 10% (wt/wt) glucose solution containing a catalytic amount of Sn-Beta (150 Sn:glucose molar ratio) gives product yields of approximately 46% (wt/wt) glucose, 31% (wt/wt) fructose, and 9% (wt/wt) mannose after 30 min and 12 min of reaction at 383 K and 413 K, respectively. This reactivity is achieved also when a 45 wt% glucose solution is used. The properties of the large-pore zeolite greatly influence the reaction behavior because the reaction does not proceed with a medium-pore zeolite, and the isomerization activity is considerably lower when the metal centers are incorporated in ordered mesoporous silica (MCM-41). The Sn-Beta catalyst can be used for multiple cycles, and the reaction stops when the solid is removed, clearly indicating that the catalysis is occurring heterogeneously. Most importantly, the Sn-Beta catalyst is able to perform the isomerization reaction in highly acidic, aqueous environments with equivalent activity and product distribution as in media without added acid. This enables Sn-Beta to couple isomerizations with other acid-catalyzed reactions, including hydrolysis/isomerization or isomerization/dehydration reaction sequences [starch to fructose and glucose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) demonstrated here].

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Production of dimethylfuran for liquid fuels from biomass-derived carbohydrates

2007-06-01

Yuriy Román‐Leshkov , Christopher J. Barrett , Zhen Y. Liu +1 more

γ-Valerolactone—a sustainable liquid for energy and carbon-based chemicals

2007-12-05

István T. Horváth , Mehdi Hasan , Viktória Fábos +2 more

We propose that γ-valerolactone (GVL), a naturally occurring chemical in fruits and a frequently used food additive, exhibits the most important characteristics of an ideal sustainable liquid, which could be … We propose that γ-valerolactone (GVL), a naturally occurring chemical in fruits and a frequently used food additive, exhibits the most important characteristics of an ideal sustainable liquid, which could be used for the production of both energy and carbon-based consumer products. GVL is renewable, easy and safe to store and move globally in large quantities, has low melting (−31 °C), high boiling (207 °C) and open cup flash (96 °C) points, a definitive but acceptable smell for easy recognition of leaks and spills, and is miscible with water, assisting biodegradation. We have established that its vapor pressure is remarkably low, even at higher temperatures (3.5 kPa at 80 °C). We have also shown by using 18O-labeled water that GVL does not hydrolyze to gamma-hydroxypentanoic acid under neutral conditions. In contrast, after the addition of acid (HCl) the incorporation of one or two 18O-isotopes to GVL was observed, as expected. GVL does not form a measurable amount of peroxides in a glass flask under air in weeks, making it a safe material for large scale use. Comparative evaluation of GVL and ethanol as fuel additives, performed on a mixture of 10 v/v% GVL or EtOH and 90 v/v% 95-octane gasoline, shows very similar properties. Since GVL does not form an azeotrope with water, the latter can be readily removed by distillation, resulting in a less energy demanding process for the production of GVL than that of absolute ethanol. Finally, it is also important to recognize that the use of a single chemical entity, such as GVL, as a sustainable liquid instead of a mixture of compounds, could significantly simplify its worldwide monitoring and regulation.

Raney Ni-Sn Catalyst for H 2 Production from Biomass-Derived Hydrocarbons

2003-06-27

George W. Huber , John W. Shabaker , James A. Dumesic

Hydrogen (H2) was produced by aqueous-phase reforming of biomass-derived oxygenated hydrocarbons at temperatures near 500 kelvin over a tin-promoted Raney-nickel catalyst. The performance of this non-precious metal catalyst compares favorably … Hydrogen (H2) was produced by aqueous-phase reforming of biomass-derived oxygenated hydrocarbons at temperatures near 500 kelvin over a tin-promoted Raney-nickel catalyst. The performance of this non-precious metal catalyst compares favorably with that of platinum-based catalysts for production of hydrogen from ethylene glycol, glycerol, and sorbitol. The addition of tin to nickel decreases the rate of methane formation from C-O bond cleavage while maintaining the high rates of C-C bond cleavage required for hydrogen formation.

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Metal Chlorides in Ionic Liquid Solvents Convert Sugars to 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural

2007-06-14

Haibo Zhao , Johnathan E. Holladay , Heather M. Brown +1 more

Replacing petroleum feedstocks by biomass requires efficient methods to convert carbohydrates to a variety of chemical compounds. We report the catalytic conversion of sugars giving high yield to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), … Replacing petroleum feedstocks by biomass requires efficient methods to convert carbohydrates to a variety of chemical compounds. We report the catalytic conversion of sugars giving high yield to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), a versatile intermediate. Metal halides in 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride are catalysts, among which chromium (II) chloride is found to be uniquely effective, leading to the conversion of glucose to HMF with a yield near 70%. A wide range of metal halides is found to catalyze the conversion of fructose to HMF. Only a negligible amount of levulinic acid is formed in these reactions.

Platinum Nanoparticle Shape Effects on Benzene Hydrogenation Selectivity

2007-09-18

Kaitlin M. Bratlie , Hyunjoo Lee , K. Komvopoulos +2 more

Benzene hydrogenation was investigated in the presence of a surface monolayer consisting of Pt nanoparticles of different shapes (cubic and cuboctahedral) and tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide (TTAB). Infrared spectroscopy indicated that TTAB … Benzene hydrogenation was investigated in the presence of a surface monolayer consisting of Pt nanoparticles of different shapes (cubic and cuboctahedral) and tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide (TTAB). Infrared spectroscopy indicated that TTAB binds to the Pt surface through a weak C−H···Pt bond of the alkyl chain. The catalytic selectivity was found to be strongly affected by the nanoparticle shape. Both cyclohexane and cyclohexene product molecules were formed on cuboctahedral nanoparticles, whereas only cyclohexane was produced on cubic nanoparticles. These results are the same as the product selectivities obtained on Pt(111) and Pt(100) single crystals in earlier studies. The apparent activation energy for cyclohexane production on cubic nanoparticles is 10.9 ± 0.4 kcal/mol, while for cuboctahedral nanoparticles, the apparent activation energies for cyclohexane and cyclohexene production are 8.3 ± 0.2 and 12.2 ± 0.4 kcal/mol, respectively. These activation energies are lower, and corresponding turnover rates are three times higher than those obtained with single-crystal Pt surfaces.

Glycerol: Production, consumption, prices, characterization and new trends in combustion

2013-08-03

César Quispe , Christian Jeremi R. Coronado , João Andrade de Carvalho

Catalytic Conversion of Biomass to Monofunctional Hydrocarbons and Targeted Liquid-Fuel Classes

2008-09-19

Edward L. Kunkes , Dante Simonetti , Ryan M. West +3 more

It is imperative to develop more efficient processes for conversion of biomass to liquid fuels, such that the cost of these fuels would be competitive with the cost of fuels … It is imperative to develop more efficient processes for conversion of biomass to liquid fuels, such that the cost of these fuels would be competitive with the cost of fuels derived from petroleum. We report a catalytic approach for the conversion of carbohydrates to specific classes of hydrocarbons for use as liquid transportation fuels, based on the integration of several flow reactors operated in a cascade mode, where the effluent from the one reactor is simply fed to the next reactor. This approach can be tuned for production of branched hydrocarbons and aromatic compounds in gasoline, or longer-chain, less highly branched hydrocarbons in diesel and jet fuels. The liquid organic effluent from the first flow reactor contains monofunctional compounds, such as alcohols, ketones, carboxylic acids, and heterocycles, that can also be used to provide reactive intermediates for fine chemicals and polymers markets.

The production of carbon materials by hydrothermal carbonization of cellulose

2009-04-23

Marta Sevilla , Antonio B. Fuertes

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Production of Liquid Alkanes by Aqueous-Phase Processing of Biomass-Derived Carbohydrates

2005-06-02

George W. Huber , Juben N. Chheda , Christopher J. Barrett +1 more

Liquid alkanes with the number of carbon atoms ranging from C7 to C15 were selectively produced from biomass-derived carbohydrates by acid-catalyzed dehydration, which was followed by aldol condensation over solid … Liquid alkanes with the number of carbon atoms ranging from C7 to C15 were selectively produced from biomass-derived carbohydrates by acid-catalyzed dehydration, which was followed by aldol condensation over solid base catalysts to form large organic compounds. These molecules were then converted into alkanes by dehydration/hydrogenation over bifunctional catalysts that contained acid and metal sites in a four-phase reactor, in which the aqueous organic reactant becomes more hydrophobic and a hexadecane alkane stream removes hydrophobic species from the catalyst before they go on further to form coke. These liquid alkanes are of the appropriate molecular weight to be used as transportation fuel components, and they contain 90% of the energy of the carbohydrate and H2 feeds.

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Synergies between Bio‐ and Oil Refineries for the Production of Fuels from Biomass

2007-07-03

George W. Huber , Avelino Corma

As petroleum prices continue to increase, it is likely that biofuels will play an ever-increasing role in our energy future. The processing of biomass-derived feedstocks (including cellulosic, starch- and sugar-derived … As petroleum prices continue to increase, it is likely that biofuels will play an ever-increasing role in our energy future. The processing of biomass-derived feedstocks (including cellulosic, starch- and sugar-derived biomass, and vegetable fats) by catalytic cracking and hydrotreating is a promising alternative for the future to produce biofuels, and the existing infrastructure of petroleum refineries is well-suited for the production of biofuels, allowing us to rapidly transition to a more sustainable economy without large capital investments for new reaction equipment. This Review discusses the chemistry, catalysts, and challenges involved in the production of biofuels.

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Investigation into the shape selectivity of zeolite catalysts for biomass conversion

2011-03-05

Jungho Jae , Geoffrey A. Tompsett , Andrew J. Foster +4 more

Low-pressure hydrogenolysis of glycerol to propylene glycol

2005-01-04

Mohanprasad A. Dasari , Pim-pahn Kiatsimkul , Willam R. Sutterlin +1 more

Synthesis of Transportation Fuels from Biomass: Chemistry, Catalysts, and Engineering

2006-06-27

George W. Huber , Sara Iborra , Avelino Corma

ADVERTISEMENT RETURN TO ISSUEPREVArticleNEXTSynthesis of Transportation Fuels from Biomass: Chemistry, Catalysts, and EngineeringGeorge W. Huber, Sara Iborra, and Avelino CormaView Author Information Instituto de Tecnología Químicia, UPV-CSIC, Universidad Politénica de … ADVERTISEMENT RETURN TO ISSUEPREVArticleNEXTSynthesis of Transportation Fuels from Biomass: Chemistry, Catalysts, and EngineeringGeorge W. Huber, Sara Iborra, and Avelino CormaView Author Information Instituto de Tecnología Químicia, UPV-CSIC, Universidad Politénica de Valencia, Avda. de los Naranjos, s/n, Valencia, Spain Cite this: Chem. Rev. 2006, 106, 9, 4044–4098Publication Date (Web):June 27, 2006Publication History Received3 February 2006Published online27 June 2006Published inissue 1 September 2006https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/cr068360dhttps://doi.org/10.1021/cr068360dresearch-articleACS PublicationsCopyright © 2006 American Chemical SocietyRequest reuse permissionsArticle Views61161Altmetric-Citations6513LEARN ABOUT THESE METRICSArticle Views are the COUNTER-compliant sum of full text article downloads since November 2008 (both PDF and HTML) across all institutions and individuals. These metrics are regularly updated to reflect usage leading up to the last few days.Citations are the number of other articles citing this article, calculated by Crossref and updated daily. Find more information about Crossref citation counts.The Altmetric Attention Score is a quantitative measure of the attention that a research article has received online. Clicking on the donut icon will load a page at altmetric.com with additional details about the score and the social media presence for the given article. Find more information on the Altmetric Attention Score and how the score is calculated. Share Add toView InAdd Full Text with ReferenceAdd Description ExportRISCitationCitation and abstractCitation and referencesMore Options Share onFacebookTwitterWechatLinked InRedditEmail Other access optionsGet e-Alertsclose SUBJECTS:Alcohols,Biofuels,Biomass,Catalysts,Fossil fuels Get e-Alerts

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Plant oil renewable resources as green alternatives in polymer science

2007-01-01

Michaël A. R. Meier , Jürgen O. Metzger , Ulrich S. Schubert

The utilization of plant oil renewable resources as raw materials for monomers and polymers is discussed and reviewed. In an age of increasing oil prices, global warming and other environmental … The utilization of plant oil renewable resources as raw materials for monomers and polymers is discussed and reviewed. In an age of increasing oil prices, global warming and other environmental problems (e.g. waste) the change from fossil feedstock to renewable resources can considerably contribute to a sustainable development in the future. Especially plant derived fats and oils bear a large potential for the substitution of currently used petrochemicals, since monomers, fine chemicals and polymers can be derived from these resources in a straightforward fashion. The synthesis of monomers as well as polymers from plant fats and oils has already found some industrial application and recent developments in this field offer promising new opportunities, as is shown within this contribution. (138 references.)

Hydrogen from catalytic reforming of biomass-derived hydrocarbons in liquid water

2002-08-01

Randy D. Cortright , Rupali R. Davda , James A. Dumesic

Catalytic conversion of biomass to biofuels

2010-01-01

David Martín Alonso , Jesse Q. Bond , James A. Dumesic

Biomass has received considerable attention as a sustainable feedstock that can replace diminishing fossil fuels for the production of energy, especially for the transportation sector. The overall strategy in the … Biomass has received considerable attention as a sustainable feedstock that can replace diminishing fossil fuels for the production of energy, especially for the transportation sector. The overall strategy in the production of hydrocarbon fuels from biomass is (i) to reduce the substantial oxygen content of the parent feedstock to improve energy density and (ii) to create C–C bonds between biomass-derived intermediates to increase the molecular weight of the final hydrocarbon product. We begin this review with a brief overview of first-generation biofuels, specifically bioethanol and biodiesel. We consider the implications of utilizing starchy and triglyceride feedstocks from traditional food crops, and we provide an overview of second-generation technologies to process the major constituents of more abundant lignocellulosic biomass, such as thermochemical routes (gasification, pyrolysis, liquefaction) which directly process whole lignocellulose to upgradeable platforms (e.g., synthesis gas and bio-oil). The primary focus of this review is an overview of catalytic strategies to produce biofuels from aqueous solutions of carbohydrates, which are isolated through biomass pretreatment and hydrolysis. Although hydrolysis-based platforms are associated with higher upstream costs arising from pretreatment and hydrolysis, the aqueous solutions of biomass-derived compounds can be processed selectively to yield hydrocarbons with targeted molecular weights and structures. For example, sugars can be used as reforming feedstocks for the production of renewable hydrogen, or they can be dehydrated to yield furfurals or levulinic acid. For each of the platforms discussed, we have suggested relevant strategies for the formation of C–C bonds, such as aldol condensation of ketones and oligomerization of alkenes, to enable the production of gasoline, jet, and Diesel fuel range hydrocarbons. Finally, we address the importance of hydrogen in biorefining and discuss strategies for managing its consumption to ensure independence from fossil fuels.

Production of first and second generation biofuels: A comprehensive review

2009-11-06

S.N. Naik , Vaibhav V. Goud , Prasant Kumar Rout +1 more

5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) as a building block platform: Biological properties, synthesis and synthetic applications

2011-01-01

Andreia A. Rosatella , Svilen P. Simeonov , Raquel F. M. Frade +1 more

The biorefinery is an important approach for the current needs of energy and chemical building blocks for a diverse range of applications, that gradually may replace current dependence on fossil-fuel … The biorefinery is an important approach for the current needs of energy and chemical building blocks for a diverse range of applications, that gradually may replace current dependence on fossil-fuel resources. Among other primary renewable building blocks, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is considered an important intermediate due to its rich chemistry and potential availability from carbohydrates such as fructose, glucose, sucrose, cellulose and inulin. In recent years, considerable efforts have been made on the transformation of carbohydrates into HMF. In this critical review we provide an overview of the effects of HMF on microorganisms and humans, HMF production and functional group transformations of HMF to relevant target molecules by taking advantage of the primary hydroxyl, aldehyde and furan functionalities.

Catalytic conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to fine chemicals and fuels

2011-01-01

Chunhui Zhou , Xi Xia , Chunxiang Lin +2 more

Lignocellulosic biomass is the most abundant and bio-renewable resource with great potential for sustainable production of chemicals and fuels. This critical review provides insights into the state-of the-art accomplishments in … Lignocellulosic biomass is the most abundant and bio-renewable resource with great potential for sustainable production of chemicals and fuels. This critical review provides insights into the state-of the-art accomplishments in the chemocatalytic technologies to generate fuels and value-added chemicals from lignocellulosic biomass, with an emphasis on its major component, cellulose. Catalytic hydrolysis, solvolysis, liquefaction, pyrolysis, gasification, hydrogenolysis and hydrogenation are the major processes presently studied. Regarding catalytic hydrolysis, the acid catalysts cover inorganic or organic acids and various solid acids such as sulfonated carbon, zeolites, heteropolyacids and oxides. Liquefaction and fast pyrolysis of cellulose are primarily conducted over catalysts with proper acidity/basicity. Gasification is typically conducted over supported noble metal catalysts. Reaction conditions, solvents and catalysts are the prime factors that affect the yield and composition of the target products. Most of processes yield a complex mixture, leading to problematic upgrading and separation. An emerging technique is to integrate hydrolysis, liquefaction or pyrolysis with hydrogenation over multifunctional solid catalysts to convert lignocellulosic biomass to value-added fine chemicals and bio-hydrocarbon fuels. And the promising catalysts might be supported transition metal catalysts and zeolite-related materials. There still exist technological barriers that need to be overcome (229 references).

Lignocellulosic biomass: a sustainable platform for the production of bio-based chemicals and polymers

2015-01-01

Furkan H. Isikgor , C. Remzi Becer

The demand for petroleum dependent chemicals and materials has been increasing despite the dwindling of their fossil resources. As the dead-end of petroleum based industry has started to appear, today's … The demand for petroleum dependent chemicals and materials has been increasing despite the dwindling of their fossil resources. As the dead-end of petroleum based industry has started to appear, today's modern society has to implement alternative energy and valuable chemical resources immediately. Owing to the importance of lignocellulosic biomass being the most abundant and bio-renewable biomass on earth, this critical review provides insights into the potential of lignocellulosic biomass as an alternative platform to fossil resources. In this context, over 200 value-added compounds, which can be derived from lignocellulosic biomass by various treatment methods, are presented with their references. Lignocellulosic biomass based polymers and their commercial importance are also reported mainly in the frame of these compounds. This review article aims to draw the map of lignocellulosic biomass derived chemicals and their synthetic polymers, and to reveal the scope of this map in today's modern chemical and polymer industry.

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Conversion of biomass platform molecules into fuel additives and liquid hydrocarbon fuels

2013-10-23

María J. Climent , Avelino Corma , Sara Iborra

In this work some relevant processes for the preparation of liquid hydrocarbon fuels and fuel additives from cellulose, hemicellulose and triglycerides derived platform molecules are discussed. Thus, it is shown … In this work some relevant processes for the preparation of liquid hydrocarbon fuels and fuel additives from cellulose, hemicellulose and triglycerides derived platform molecules are discussed. Thus, it is shown that a series of platform molecules such as levulinic acid, furans, fatty acids and polyols can be converted into a variety of fuel additives through catalytic transformations that include reduction, esterification, etherification, and acetalization reactions. Moreover, we will show that liquid hydrocarbon fuels can be obtained by combining oxygen removal processes (e.g. dehydration, hydrogenolysis, hydrogenation, decarbonylation/descarboxylation etc.) with the adjustment of the molecular weight via C–C coupling reactions (e.g. aldol condensation, hydroxyalkylation, oligomerization, ketonization) of the reactive platform molecules.

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Liquid‐Phase Catalytic Processing of Biomass‐Derived Oxygenated Hydrocarbons to Fuels and Chemicals

2007-07-20

Juben N. Chheda , George W. Huber , James A. Dumesic

Biomass has the potential to serve as a sustainable source of energy and organic carbon for our industrialized society. The focus of this Review is to present an overview of … Biomass has the potential to serve as a sustainable source of energy and organic carbon for our industrialized society. The focus of this Review is to present an overview of chemical catalytic transformations of biomass-derived oxygenated feedstocks (primarily sugars and sugar-alcohols) in the liquid phase to value-added chemicals and fuels, with specific examples emphasizing the development of catalytic processes based on an understanding of the fundamental reaction chemistry. The key reactions involved in the processing of biomass are hydrolysis, dehydration, isomerization, aldol condensation, reforming, hydrogenation, and oxidation. Further, it is discussed how ideas based on fundamental chemical and catalytic concepts lead to strategies for the control of reaction pathways and process conditions to produce H(2)/CO(2) or H(2)/CO gas mixtures by aqueous-phase reforming, to produce furan compounds by selective dehydration of carbohydrates, and to produce liquid alkanes by the combination of aldol condensation and dehydration/hydrogenation processes.

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The glycerin glut: Options for the value-added conversion of crude glycerol resulting from biodiesel production

2007-10-01

Duane Johnson , Katherine A. Taconi

Abstract Dramatic increases in the price of crude oil, and consequently, transportation fuels, coupled with increased environmental concerns have resulted in rapid growth in biodiesel production, both in the United … Abstract Dramatic increases in the price of crude oil, and consequently, transportation fuels, coupled with increased environmental concerns have resulted in rapid growth in biodiesel production, both in the United States and worldwide. As biodiesel production increases, so does production of the primary coproduct, glycerol. Since the existing glycerol supply and demand market was tight, recent increases in glycerol production from biodiesel refining has created a glut in the glycerol market. As a result, the price of glycerol has fallen significantly and biodiesel refiners are faced with limited options for managing the glycerol by‐product, which in the biodiesel industry, has essentially become a waste stream. This article is a review of promising options for both the catalytic and biological conversion of glycerol into various value‐added products, many of which are bio‐based alternatives to petroleum‐derived chemicals. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 26: 338–348, 2007

Hydroxymethylfurfural, A Versatile Platform Chemical Made from Renewable Resources

2013-02-11

Robert‐Jan van Putten , Jan C. van der Waal , E. de Jong +3 more

ADVERTISEMENT RETURN TO ISSUEPREVReviewNEXTHydroxymethylfurfural, A Versatile Platform Chemical Made from Renewable ResourcesRobert-Jan van Putten†‡, Jan C. van der Waal†, Ed de Jong*†, Carolus B. Rasrendra‡⊥, Hero J. Heeres*‡, and Johannes … ADVERTISEMENT RETURN TO ISSUEPREVReviewNEXTHydroxymethylfurfural, A Versatile Platform Chemical Made from Renewable ResourcesRobert-Jan van Putten†‡, Jan C. van der Waal†, Ed de Jong*†, Carolus B. Rasrendra‡⊥, Hero J. Heeres*‡, and Johannes G. de Vries*§∥View Author Information† Avantium Chemicals, Zekeringstraat 29, 1014 BV Amsterdam, the Netherlands‡ Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, the Netherlands§ Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, the Netherlands∥ DSM Innovative Synthesis BV, P.O. Box 18, 6160 MD Geleen, the Netherlands⊥ Department of Chemical Engineering, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Ganesha 10, Bandung 40132, Indonesia*E-mail: [email protected] (E.d.J.); [email protected] (H.J.H.); [email protected] (J.G.d.V.).Cite this: Chem. Rev. 2013, 113, 3, 1499–1597Publication Date (Web):February 11, 2013Publication History Received3 May 2012Published online11 February 2013Published inissue 13 March 2013https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/cr300182khttps://doi.org/10.1021/cr300182kreview-articleACS PublicationsCopyright © 2013 American Chemical SocietyRequest reuse permissionsArticle Views33087Altmetric-Citations2357LEARN ABOUT THESE METRICSArticle Views are the COUNTER-compliant sum of full text article downloads since November 2008 (both PDF and HTML) across all institutions and individuals. These metrics are regularly updated to reflect usage leading up to the last few days.Citations are the number of other articles citing this article, calculated by Crossref and updated daily. Find more information about Crossref citation counts.The Altmetric Attention Score is a quantitative measure of the attention that a research article has received online. Clicking on the donut icon will load a page at altmetric.com with additional details about the score and the social media presence for the given article. Find more information on the Altmetric Attention Score and how the score is calculated. Share Add toView InAdd Full Text with ReferenceAdd Description ExportRISCitationCitation and abstractCitation and referencesMore Options Share onFacebookTwitterWechatLinked InRedditEmail Other access optionsGet e-Alertsclose SUBJECTS:Aldehydes,Carbohydrates,Catalysts,Dehydration,Solvents Get e-Alerts

Furfural—A Promising Platform for Lignocellulosic Biofuels

2011-12-23

Jean‐Paul Lange , Evert van der Heide , Jeroen van Buijtenen +1 more

Abstract Furfural offers a promising, rich platform for lignocellulosic biofuels. These include methylfuran and methyltetrahydrofuran, valerate esters, ethylfurfuryl and ethyltetrahydrofurfuryl ethers as well as various C 10 –C 15 coupling … Abstract Furfural offers a promising, rich platform for lignocellulosic biofuels. These include methylfuran and methyltetrahydrofuran, valerate esters, ethylfurfuryl and ethyltetrahydrofurfuryl ethers as well as various C 10 –C 15 coupling products. The various production routes are critically reviewed, and the needs for improvements are identified. Their relative industrial potential is analysed by defining an investment index and CO 2 emissions as well as determining the fuel properties for the resulting products. Finally, the most promising candidate, 2‐methylfuran, was subjected to a road trial of 90 000 km in a gasoline blend. Importantly, the potential of the furfural platform relies heavily on the cost‐competitive production of furfural from lignocellulosic feedstock. Conventional standalone and emerging coproduct processes—for example, as a coproduct of cellulosic ethanol, levulinic acid or hydroxymethyl furfural—are expensive and energetically demanding. Challenges and areas that need improvement are highlighted. In addition to providing a critical review of the literature, this paper also presents new results and analysis in this area.

Production of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and furfural by dehydration of biomass-derived mono- and poly-saccharides

2007-01-01

Juben N. Chheda , Yuriy Román‐Leshkov , James A. Dumesic

Furan derivatives, such as 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and furfural, obtained from renewable biomass-derived carbohydrates have potential to be sustainable substitutes for petroleum-based building blocks used in production of fine chemicals and … Furan derivatives, such as 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and furfural, obtained from renewable biomass-derived carbohydrates have potential to be sustainable substitutes for petroleum-based building blocks used in production of fine chemicals and plastics. We have studied the production of HMF and furfural by dehydration of fructose, glucose and xylose using a biphasic reactor system, comprised of reactive aqueous phase modified with DMSO, combined with an organic extracting phase consisting of a 7 : 3 (w/w) MIBK–2-butanol mixture or dichloromethane (DCM). Experiments with the MIBK–2-butanol mixture were conducted at a temperature of 443 K using mineral acid catalysts (HCl, H2SO4 and H3PO4) at a pH from 1.0 to 2.0, whereas experiments with DCM as the extracting solvent were conducted at 413 K and did not require the use of an acid catalyst. The modifiable nature of the biphasic system allowed us to identify preferred DMSO and pH levels for each sugar to maximize the HMF selectivity at high sugar conversions, leading to selectivities of 89%, 91%, and 53% for dehydration of fructose, xylose, and glucose, respectively. Using these reaction conditions for each monosaccharide unit, we can process the corresponding polysaccharides, such as sucrose (a disaccharide of glucose and fructose), inulin (a polyfructan), starch (a polyglucan), cellobiose (a glucose dimer) and xylan (a xylose polysaccharide), with equally good selectivities at high conversions. In addition, we show that the biphasic reactor system can process high feed concentrations (10 to 30 wt%) along with excellent recycling ability. By processing these highly functionalized polysaccharides, that are inexpensive and abundantly available, we eliminate the need to obtain simple carbohydrate molecules by acid hydrolysis as a separate processing step.

Furfural: a renewable and versatile platform molecule for the synthesis of chemicals and fuels

2016-01-01

R. Mariscal , Pedro Maireles‐Torres , Manuel Ojeda +2 more

The aim of this review is to discuss the most relevant chemical routes for converting furfural to chemicals and to biofuels and additives. The aim of this review is to discuss the most relevant chemical routes for converting furfural to chemicals and to biofuels and additives.

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Conversion of Biomass into Chemicals over Metal Catalysts

2013-10-01

М. Бессон , P. Gallezot , C. Pinel

ADVERTISEMENT RETURN TO ISSUEPREVReviewNEXTConversion of Biomass into Chemicals over Metal CatalystsMichèle Besson, Pierre Gallezot*, and Catherine PinelView Author Information Institut de Recherches sur la Catalyse et l'Environnement (IRCELYON), Université de … ADVERTISEMENT RETURN TO ISSUEPREVReviewNEXTConversion of Biomass into Chemicals over Metal CatalystsMichèle Besson, Pierre Gallezot*, and Catherine PinelView Author Information Institut de Recherches sur la Catalyse et l'Environnement (IRCELYON), Université de Lyon/CNRS, 2 Avenue Albert Einstein, 69626 Villeurbanne Cedex, France*E-mail: [email protected]Cite this: Chem. Rev. 2014, 114, 3, 1827–1870Publication Date (Web):October 1, 2013Publication History Received29 April 2013Published online1 October 2013Published inissue 12 February 2014https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/cr4002269https://doi.org/10.1021/cr4002269review-articleACS PublicationsCopyright © 2013 American Chemical SocietyRequest reuse permissionsArticle Views25789Altmetric-Citations1501LEARN ABOUT THESE METRICSArticle Views are the COUNTER-compliant sum of full text article downloads since November 2008 (both PDF and HTML) across all institutions and individuals. These metrics are regularly updated to reflect usage leading up to the last few days.Citations are the number of other articles citing this article, calculated by Crossref and updated daily. Find more information about Crossref citation counts.The Altmetric Attention Score is a quantitative measure of the attention that a research article has received online. Clicking on the donut icon will load a page at altmetric.com with additional details about the score and the social media presence for the given article. Find more information on the Altmetric Attention Score and how the score is calculated. Share Add toView InAdd Full Text with ReferenceAdd Description ExportRISCitationCitation and abstractCitation and referencesMore Options Share onFacebookTwitterWechatLinked InRedditEmail Other access optionsGet e-Alertsclose SUBJECTS:Alcohols,Catalysts,Hydrogenation,Metals,Selectivity Get e-Alerts

Catalytic Conversion of Carbohydrates to Initial Platform Chemicals: Chemistry and Sustainability

2017-11-20

László T. Mika , Edit Cséfalvay , Áron Németh

The replacement of fossil resources that currently provide more than 90% of our energy needs and feedstocks of the chemical industry in combination with reduced emission of carbon dioxide is … The replacement of fossil resources that currently provide more than 90% of our energy needs and feedstocks of the chemical industry in combination with reduced emission of carbon dioxide is one of the most pressing challenges of mankind. Biomass as a globally available resource has been proposed as an alternative feedstock for production of basic building blocks, which could partially or even fully replace the currently utilized fossil-based ones in well-established chemical processes. The destruction of lignocellulosic feed followed by oxygen removal from its cellulose and hemicellulose content by catalytic processes results in the formation of initial platform chemicals (IPCs). However, their sustainable production strongly depends on the availability of resources, their efficient or even industrially viable conversion processes, and replenishment time of feedstocks. Herein, we overview recent advances and developments in catalytic transformations of the carbohydrate content of lignocellulosic biomass to IPCs (i.e., ethanol, 3-hydroxypropionic acid, isoprene, succinic and levulinic acids, furfural, and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural). The mechanistic aspects, development of new catalysts, different efficiency indicators (yield and selectivity), and conversion conditions of their production are presented and compared. The potential biochemical production routes utilizing recently engineered microorganisms are reviewed, as well. The sustainability metrics that could be applied to the chemical industry (individual set of sustainability indicators, composite indices methods, material and energy flow analysis-based metrics, and ethanol equivalents) are also overviewed as well as an outlook is provided to highlight challenges and opportunities associated with this huge research area.

Introduction to Cyclotomic Fields

1997-01-01

Lawrence C. Washington

Systematic optimization of the Ni-to-Mo ratio in bimetallic Ni–Mo₂C catalysts for efficient selective hydrogenation of levulinic acid to γ-valerolactone

2025-06-25

Ravichanon Sakdee , Sakhon Ratchahat , Chularat Sakdaronnarong +5 more | Fuel Processing Technology

From Turpentine to (‐)‐Menthol: a New Approach

2025-06-24

Matthias Eisenacher , Dominik Dylong , Johannes Panten +3 more | ChemSusChem

The rising popularity of (‐)‐menthol, as the main component of the natural mint aroma with applications in the pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and food industry, leads to a growing need for synthetic … The rising popularity of (‐)‐menthol, as the main component of the natural mint aroma with applications in the pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and food industry, leads to a growing need for synthetic menthol production to satisfy the world demand. In this study a novel green synthesis route for menthol is presented. The proposed method utilizes renewable starting materials and employs environmentally benign reaction conditions, making it an attractive alternative to conventional menthol synthesis methods. It starts with 3‐carene from crude sulfate turpentine, a byproduct of the pulp and paper industry, which is then transformed via heterogeneous hydrogenation and heterogeneous acidic isomerization to a mixture of unsaturated menthenes. The catalytic epoxidation of the menthenes with hydrogen peroxide and hydrogenation of the epoxides lead to a mixture of menthol isomers, which can be separated and recycled by established methods to obtain the desired (‐)‐menthol.

The preparation of methacrolein by Mannich reaction using a bifunctional heterogeneous catalyst

2025-06-24

Xin Wang , Cong Li , Mengtong Wang +3 more | Molecular Catalysis

Synergistic Effect of ZrO2/M-ZSM-5 with Enhanced Basicity for Selective Production of γ-valerolactone from Ethyl Levulinate

2025-06-24

Digvijay Badghaiya , Rahul Gautam , Shunmugavel Saravanamurugan +2 more | Catalysis Letters

NiCo(OH)2/NiCo2O4 as a Heterogeneous Catalyst for the Electrooxidation of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural

2025-06-24

Li Wen , Di Yin , Wanxin Liu +2 more | Inorganics

The electrochemical oxidation of biomass-derived 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) coupled with water electrolysis for green hydrogen production is a promising strategy to address energy crises and environmental pollution. Despite the suitable adsorption … The electrochemical oxidation of biomass-derived 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) coupled with water electrolysis for green hydrogen production is a promising strategy to address energy crises and environmental pollution. Despite the suitable adsorption energy for HMF due to their partially filled d-band electronic structures, Ni- or Co-based oxides/hydroxides still face challenges in insufficient activity and stability. In this study, a porous heterogeneous nickel cobalt oxide/hydroxide growth on nickel foam (NF), which is defined as NF@NiCo-H/O, was developed via immersion in concentrated alkali solution. Compared with the single-component NiCo oxides, the NF@NiCo-H/O catalyst exhibits a lower application potential of only 1.317 V, 1.395 V, and 1.443 V to achieve current densities of 20, 50, and 100 mA cm−2, respectively, in an alkaline solution containing HMF. Additionally, it demonstrates rapid reaction kinetics with a Tafel slope of 27.6 mV dec−1 and excellent cycling stability. Importantly, the presence of more high-valent Ni3+-O species on the catalyst surface contributes to its exceptional selectivity for 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (86.7%), Faradaic efficiency (93.1%), and conversion rate (94.4%). This catalyst provides some theoretical guidance for the development of biomass electrooxidation catalysts for sustainable energy and chemical production.

Carbon Decorated Pd Species within Zeolite for Selective Furfural Hydrogenation

2025-06-23

Risheng Bai , Lin Li , Jingxuan Wang +3 more | ACS Central Science

Efficient Approach to Synthesizing 2,5-Bis(aminomethyl)furan from 5-Chloromethylfurfural via the Gabriel Synthesis through Trans-imination and Hydrogenation

2025-06-22

Yadong Liu , Zhong Zheng , Tong Sun +7 more | ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering

Selective Hydrogenation of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-Bis(hydroxymethyl)furan over Hydroxyl-Enriched Pt/CeO2 Catalysts

2025-06-21

Yi Yang , Yuxi Si , L. Liu +4 more | Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research

The effect of solvent and pH on the preparation of MnAl2O4 catalyst for the conversion of furfural to bio-jet fuel precursor

2025-06-21

Gheorghiţa Mitran , Tam Le Phuong Nguyen , Dong‐Kyun Seo | Fuel

A Pathway for Sugar Production from Agricultural Waste Catalyzed by Sulfonated Magnetic Carbon Microspheres

2025-06-20

Min Xu , Yanfeng Duan , Hongfu Li +5 more | Molecules

Lignocellulose is an important renewable biomass resource. However, at present, there is a lack of efficient and environmentally friendly catalytic systems that can selectively convert lignocellulose components into high-value sugars, … Lignocellulose is an important renewable biomass resource. However, at present, there is a lack of efficient and environmentally friendly catalytic systems that can selectively convert lignocellulose components into high-value sugars, and the value realization of agricultural waste (such as straw) remains challenging. Carbon-based solid acids are used in the valorization of biomass due to their simple preparation and excellent catalytic performance. In this study, the magnetic carbon microspheres catalyst was prepared using concentrated sulfuric acid and hydroxyethyl sulfonic acid as sulfonating agents. Two sulfonation catalysts were applied to the hydrolysis of typical agricultural waste (rice straw). The performance of catalyst conversion to reducing sugar was compared, and the glucose yield was lower than 30%. The sulfonation catalyst of hydroxyethyl sulfonic acid obtained a higher yield of pentose (76.67%) than that of concentrated sulfuric acid (74.25%) in 110 min. The optimal reaction conditions were found: substrate was 0.04 g straw, catalyst was 0.04 g, H2O/γ-valerolactone ratio was 8:2 in the solvent, and the reaction time was 110 min at 140 °C. Under these conditions, the sulfonation properties of hydroxyethyl sulfonic acid as a green sulfonating agent are similar to those of concentrated sulfuric acid. Its excellent catalytic performance is attributed to the medium B/L acid density ratio on the catalyst surface. In addition, the prepared catalyst can be effectively separated from the reaction residue in the catalytic system. This work provides a green catalytic system for the high-value utilization of agricultural waste from renewable carbon sources.

Application of hydrodynamic cavitation to intensify the reaction of solketal synthesis from glycerol and acetone

2025-06-20

O. N. Kovalenko , И. И. Сименцова , Valentina N. Panchenko +1 more | Kataliz v promyshlennosti

The possibility of using hydrodynamic cavitation to intensify the synthesis of solketal from glycerol and acetone in the presence of zeolite has been demonstrated for the first time. The reaction … The possibility of using hydrodynamic cavitation to intensify the synthesis of solketal from glycerol and acetone in the presence of zeolite has been demonstrated for the first time. The reaction was studied in the presence of faujasite zeolite (FAU, SiO 2 /Al 2 O 3 = 14.9). It was found that the use of hydrodynamic cavitation promotes an increase in glycerol conversion from 35.2 to 66.8% in 30 min of reaction without changing the selectivity for solketal at an acetone/glycerol molar ratio of 2.5, a catalyst load of 1.6 wt.% (based on the weight of loaded glycerol) and 25 °C. The results indicate that the cavitation mode can be considered as a promising method for intensifying reactions for obtaining glycerol ketals and acetals.

Improving the economics of sustainable aviation fuels: system‐level analyses and perspective

2025-06-20

Sungil Yun , Bomin Choe , Heeseung Na +3 more | ChemSusChem

The transportation sector becomes more electrified in accordance with the energy transition to renewable energy. However, aviation is challenging to decarbonize due to low energy density of batteries. Specifically, it … The transportation sector becomes more electrified in accordance with the energy transition to renewable energy. However, aviation is challenging to decarbonize due to low energy density of batteries. Specifically, it is difficult to store large‐scale batteries in aircraft because there are stringent limitations in weight and space. Therefore, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) should serve as a bridge to battery‐powered aircraft until the battery technology matures to lower transportation‐related carbon emissions. It is imperative to produce SAF in a techno‐economically feasible manner. Nevertheless, the successful commercialization of SAF is being hampered by the shortcomings of the SAF production processes, such as low efficiencies. Therefore, a co‐production strategy is employed to build a new process addressing uncompetitive economics and low carbon efficiency of the SAF production process. The developed process co‐produces valuable biochemicals, adipic acid and furfural, with butene oligomer (i.e., SAF) using lignocellulosic biomass. In this paper, comprehensive evaluations including tech‐economic analysis and life‐cycle assessment are conducted to demonstrate the benefits of the proposed process. The findings reveal that the proposed approach not only improves the process economics by approximately 2.7%, but also significantly enhances the environmental sustainability of the process, achieving a reduction of 15.75 kg CO2 eq/kg SAF.

Towards sustainable furfural production: investigating solvent effects, reaction kinetics, process simulation, and energy assessment

2025-06-20

Daniel Edumujeze , Karine Thomas , Françoise Maugé +3 more | Chemical Engineering Journal

Selective C–O Bond Cleavage of Furfural for the Sustainable Synthesis of 1,2-Pentanediol Using CuCe Catalysts

2025-06-19

F.-Y. Wang , Zhixin Duan , Kangyu Zhao +2 more | Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research

Empowering green polymerization: Enzymatic polymerization and low-temperature post-polymerization to produce poly(butylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate)

2025-06-19

Christina Gkountela , O. Plangesi , Stamatina Vouyiouka | European Polymer Journal

Recent developments of the biorefinery of γ-valerolactone

2025-06-19

Muhammad Bilal , Majd Al‐Naji | Discover Catalysis.

Abstract Lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) is a renewable and abundant feedstock rich in carbohydrates, which can be catalytically valorized into a wide range of valuable platform chemicals. Levulinic acid (LA) is … Abstract Lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) is a renewable and abundant feedstock rich in carbohydrates, which can be catalytically valorized into a wide range of valuable platform chemicals. Levulinic acid (LA) is classified by United State Department of Energy (DOE) as the one of most important 15 derivatives of lignocellulosic biomass. LA can be simply and completely transformed to γ-valerolactone (GVL) via catalytic hydrodeoxygenation process. Recently, a large numbers of publications reported on the application of GVL as a platform chemical for many applications. GVL possesses high reactivity owing to its functionality, and it is involved in many reactions where value-added chemicals can be produced. In this review, we focus on the recent route for upgrading GVL to pentenoic acid (PEA), pentanoic acid (PA), saturated and unsaturated esters (SE and USE), 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (MeTHF), α-methylene-γ-valerolactone (MeGVL) and α-alkyl-γ-valerolactone (AAGVL). We also discuss on the challenges that the large-scale implementation of GVL biorefinery is facing.

Recyclable Textile Fiber-Supported N-Heterocyclic Carbene Catalyst for Upgrading of Biomass Furaldehydes to Jet-Fuel Precursors

2025-06-18

Xian‐Lei Shi , Run Jing , Qianqian Hu +2 more | ACS Applied Polymer Materials

Bio‐Based Phenol from Cashew Nutshells by Catalytic Hydrocardanol Trans‐Alkylation Using H‐ZSM‐5 Zeolite

2025-06-18

Jan J. Wiesfeld , Keisuke Iriba , Satoshi Suganuma +3 more | ChemSusChem

Cardanol, an unsaturated long‐chain alkylphenol derived from agricultural waste, has potential as a sustainable substrate for bio‐based phenol production. Herein, we demonstrate the potential of hydrocardanol, readily obtained through cardanol … Cardanol, an unsaturated long‐chain alkylphenol derived from agricultural waste, has potential as a sustainable substrate for bio‐based phenol production. Herein, we demonstrate the potential of hydrocardanol, readily obtained through cardanol hydrogenation, as a viable feedstock for phenol production via trans‐alkylation using toluene as the alkyl acceptor. HZSM‐5 (SiO2/Al2O3 molar ratio = 80) exhibited a 53.7% phenol yield with a high phenolics balance (86.7%) from a 10 wt% hydrocardanol solution at full conversion in a batch reactor. In contrast, cardanol gave only 27.1% phenol under the same reaction conditions. This improved yield with hydrocardanol is attributed to suppressed formation of bi‐ and/or polycyclic phenols via self‐alkylation, due to the higher thermal stability of the saturated side chain. Re‐alkylation of the desired phenol product largely limited the phenol yield. The model reaction experiments with phenol and 1‐pentadecene showed that the reaction proceeds via hydrocardanol dealkylation on the zeolite, followed by rapid isomerization, cracking and oligomerization reactions of the resulting long‐chain olefin, and re‐alkylation of toluene and phenol. This indicated that phenol alkylation could be suppressed by reducing the hydrocardanol‐to‐toluene ratio. This approach was validated in a fixed‐bed flow reactor, achieving a high phenol yield (>95%) with a high carbon balance (>99%).

High-performance and stable dendrite-structured mesoporous Zn-Zr/DSMS catalysts for ethanol conversion to 1,3-butadiene

2025-06-18

Yujia Zhao , Xianquan Li , Jifeng Pang +5 more | Chemical Engineering Journal

Thermodynamic interpretation of catalytic transformation of levulinic acid over supported perovskites catalysts: Dynamic equilibrium and nonlinear Arrhenius behavior investigation

2025-06-18

Tsholofelo Lepedi , Mulisa Maumela , Qiangqiang Xiao +2 more | Research Square (Research Square)

<title>Abstract</title> The development of active heterogeneous catalysts for the conversion of levulinic acid (LA) is central to the realization of LA as an alternative source of sustainable and renewable fuel. … <title>Abstract</title> The development of active heterogeneous catalysts for the conversion of levulinic acid (LA) is central to the realization of LA as an alternative source of sustainable and renewable fuel. Herein, we investigate the potential use of ABO3 perovskite catalysts in the conversion of LA to ester products through in-depth thermodynamic analysis using nonlinear Arrhenius plots. In a first of its kind for biomass-derived substrate’s valorization, this study shows that the catalyst support used in immobilizing the active perovskite phases plays a role in the deviations observed in nonlinear thermodynamics plots, such as a high reaction rate experienced with a decrease in temperature resulting in a sub-Arrhenius plot. The ABO3 Lanthanum-based perovskites LaMO3 (M = Co, Fe, and Mn) were utilized. These ABO3 catalysts were supported on silica, alumina and titania. The LaCoO3 perovskite phases induce different apparent rate constant regimes and showed a super-Arrhenius behavior when supported on SiO2 (KIT-6) and Al2O3. This leads to an understanding that thermodynamics are inherently associated with the overall catalyst’s chemical and physical properties.

Effects of Molecular Weight on the Properties of Biodegradable Poly(pentamethylene furanoate)

2025-06-17

Manyuan Yin , Zhicheng Guo , Fei Liu +4 more | ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering

Agri-waste-Derived Phosphorylated Sporopollenin Catalyst Facilitates the Selective 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural Formation in Water: Insights into Phosphate Functionalization, and Mechanism

2025-06-17

Raina Sharma , Tamilmani Selvaraj , Vijayendran Gowri +4 more | ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering

Bio-Based ethyl levulinate production from Biomass-Derived xylose and empty palm fruit bunch using Zirconium-Beta catalysis

2025-06-17

Songkeid Kaewmuangphet , Supanat Lohanut , Joseph S. M. Samec +1 more | Bioresource Technology

Valorization of glycerol into lactic acid and hydrogen using CaO catalyst derived from marble waste

2025-06-17

Mohd Mohsin Ikram , Virendra Kumar Saharan | Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management

Sustainable Synthesis of 2,5‐Diformylfuran from Biomass‐Derived Carbohydrates Using DBU‐Based Ionic Liquid: High Selectivity and Catalyst Recyclability

2025-06-16

Trinh Hao Nguyen , Thien Phuoc Nguyen , Dao Anh Le Nguyen +2 more | ChemCatChem

Abstract 2,5‐Diformylfuran (DFF) is an essential building block in organic synthesis and a precursor for various chemical reactions. The one‐pot, one‐step synthesis of DFF from biomass‐derived substrates has attracted significant … Abstract 2,5‐Diformylfuran (DFF) is an essential building block in organic synthesis and a precursor for various chemical reactions. The one‐pot, one‐step synthesis of DFF from biomass‐derived substrates has attracted significant interest due to its potential for cost‐effective, scalable industrial applications. In this study, we developed a cost‐effective method to synthesize a bifunctional catalyst, [(C 9 H 16 N 2 ) 2 ‐(C 4 H 8 ) 3 ‐(SO 3 H) 2 ][Br 4 ], through the combination of 1,8‐diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec‐7‐ene (DBU), 1,4‐dibromobutane, 1,4‐butanesultone, and hydrobromic acid. This catalyst was subsequently employed for the one‐pot oxidation–dehydration of fructose to DFF. The structure of the ionic liquid catalyst was determined by methods such as NMR and FTIR, and the thermal stability of the catalyst was analyzed using the TGA method. The catalyst structure consisted of Brönsted and oxidative centers, which enhanced DFF yield by about 99% with an ionic liquid catalyst (10 mol%) in DMSO at 140 °C after 4 h. The manufacturing process of DFF from fructose via the two subsequent steps skips the stage of HMF isolation, saving effort and time. Furthermore, the reusability of the catalyst was researched, with the second recovery efficiency above 50% of DFF. This work provided a process to prepare DFF using ionic liquid as a catalyst, an environmentally friendly method with a good DFF yield.

Chemocatalytic and Enzymatic Synthesis of 5-Hydroxymethylfuran-2-carbonitril and Novel Biobased Polyimidoesters from the Biorenewable Feedstock 5-Hydroxymethyl-2-furfural

2025-06-16

Kubilay Ceyhan , Harald Gröger | ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering

Highly selective preparation of levulinic acid from cellulose by heteropolyacid pickering interfacial catalysts

2025-06-16

Yu Qi , Qi Zhang , Qiwen Wang +3 more | Cellulose

Selective Hydrogenation of Furfural to Furfuryl Alcohol over Pd Supported on Ternary Oxide in Aqueous Medium Under Mild Conditions

2025-06-15

Pooja Nehra , K. J. Betsy , C. P. Vinod | ChemCatChem

Abstract We report palladium (Pd) supported on a mixed CuO/ZnO/Al 2 O 3 catalyst for the synthesis of furfuryl alcohol (FA) from furfural (FF) using hydrogen under near atmospheric pressure … Abstract We report palladium (Pd) supported on a mixed CuO/ZnO/Al 2 O 3 catalyst for the synthesis of furfuryl alcohol (FA) from furfural (FF) using hydrogen under near atmospheric pressure (balloon pressure) conditions. A systematic study of various metal oxide combinations revealed that the best support for Pd nanoparticles is a CuO/ZnO/Al 2 O 3 mixed system, which results in excellent catalytic performance. A series of control experiments highlighted the essential role of mixed Cu‐Zn‐Al oxide support in facilitating the adsorption and activation of FF. Our results demonstrate that under optimal conditions (40 °C, balloon pressure H 2 ), the catalyst yields FF conversion exceeding 98%, with remarkable selectivity for FA reaching up to 99% with water as solvent. The catalyst exhibited almost comparable activity up to three catalytic cycles without extra catalyst treatment or reactivation with negligible Pd leaching. These findings shed insight into the design of mixed metal oxide‐based support for active metal interactions in optimizing catalytic performance in furfural hydrogenation under mild conditions.

Semi-continuous flow mechanochemistry as a tool for the valorization of spent coffee grounds for biorefinery

2025-06-15

Antonio Manuel Pérez-Merchán , Juan Antonio Cecilia , J. Mérida‐Robles +3 more | Waste Management

Spent coffee grounds (SCG) are a by-product of the coffee industry, with its production steadily increasing. In this study, a sequential biorefinery process for the valorization of SCG was investigated, … Spent coffee grounds (SCG) are a by-product of the coffee industry, with its production steadily increasing. In this study, a sequential biorefinery process for the valorization of SCG was investigated, aiming to produce biodiesel, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) and activated carbon as products of significant industrial interest. In all these processes, conventional and mechanochemical-assisted methodologies were evaluated aiming at process intensification. Firstly, lipids were extracted from SCG and subsequently transformed into biodiesel using calcium diglyceroxide (CaDG) as heterogeneous catalyst, achieving a yield of 98.4 %. Afterwards, autohydrolysis of extracted SCG has allowed the recovery of hemicellulosic liquors, containing 22 % sugars in solution in the form of monomers (mainly C6) and oligomers. These sugar solutions were subjected to dehydration in a water, using CaCl2 and Al2O3, resulting in a maximum 5-HMF yield of 65 %. Finally, the residue obtained after these sequential processes, primarily composed of cellulose and lignin, underwent pyrolysis with KOH as an activating agent, producing activated carbon with a maximum surface area of 1359 m2/g. This cascade biorefinery approach demonstrates a sustainable pathway for SCG utilisation by minimizing waste and maximizing the production of valuable products.

Zirconium-grafted mesoporous SiO2 (Zr-SBA-15) as Brønsted acid sites-free catalyst enables selective catalytic transfer hydrogenation of furfural to furfuryl alcohol

2025-06-14

Sifan Bi , Jianwei Lu , Shourong Zheng +1 more | Sustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy

Facilitated hydrogenation of furfural into furfuryl alcohol over catalyst CuSiAlOx made with infrared-heating calcination

2025-06-14

Mengjuan Zhang , Xiaoyu Wu , Chao Wang +6 more | Resources Chemicals and Materials

Degradation of Sulfated Polysaccharides into Platform Chemicals: Catalysis Mechanism by a Bro̷nsted Acid and the Effect of Protonated Polar Additives

2025-06-14

Weifeng Xu , Jiankai Ou , Jinbao Huang +7 more | Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry

Sulfated polysaccharides (SPSs) are the main components of algal biomass, which represents a promising feed stock for biorefinary. Molecular-level understanding of the Bro̷nsted acid-catalyzed conversion of SPS into platform chemicals … Sulfated polysaccharides (SPSs) are the main components of algal biomass, which represents a promising feed stock for biorefinary. Molecular-level understanding of the Bro̷nsted acid-catalyzed conversion of SPS into platform chemicals is essential for efficient algal biomass utilization. The calculated results reveal that SPS tends to break the glycosidic bond through the Koshland mechanism in the liquid phase, leading to the formation of monomers. The participation of Cl- ions significantly increases the reaction rate. Thereafter, the Bro̷nsted acid displays favorable catalytic activity in a series of cascading steps for the conversion of the monosaccharides to furfurans, including isomerization, dehydration, decarbonylation, and desulfuration. The rate-determining steps are related to the [1,2]-H shift between C1 and C2 for the stepwise isomerism mechanism. We first proposed the formation pathways of 4-hydroxyvaleric acid (HVA) and succinic acid (SA) initiated from acyclic intermediates, which include site-selective C-C bond fission, dehydration, isomerization, hydration, and SN2 reactions. The concerted dehydration mechanism is the rate-controlling step for the formation of HVA or SA. It is found that the synergistic effect between the products leads to the formation of acid platform compounds. The effect of polar solvent additives is evaluated, and the result suggests that DMSO and THF can promote the formation of furan products and inhibit the formation of acid products.

Composition-Dependent Copper-Based Binary Metal Alloys for Hydrogenation of Dimethyl Succinate to 1,4-Butanediol

2025-06-13

Beom-Soo Kim , Marcel Jonathan Hidajat , I. Tyrone Ghampson +2 more | Energy & Fuels

Cheaper mRNA vaccines in a nutshell

2025-06-12

Engela Duvenage | Nature Africa

Microwave‐Assisted One‐Pot Synthesis of Alkyl Levulinates From Post‐Harvest Vegetable Waste

2025-06-12

Ángel G. Sathicq , Luis A. Gallego‐Villada , Edwin A. Alarcón +3 more | Advanced Sustainable Systems

Abstract The efficient production of fuels and chemical products from lignocellulosic biomass derivatives is a key objective in biorefinery research. Levulinic acid (LA), a valuable building block derived from lignocellulosic … Abstract The efficient production of fuels and chemical products from lignocellulosic biomass derivatives is a key objective in biorefinery research. Levulinic acid (LA), a valuable building block derived from lignocellulosic materials, serves as a precursor for alkyl levulinates via esterification with bio‐alcohols. These esters are widely used in industry as fuel additives, solvents, and fragrances. In this work, a microwave‐assisted one‐pot protocol is presented for the valorization of post‐harvest vegetable residues, specifically tomato, spinach, pepper, broccoli, red cabbage, beet, and artichoke, which are treated independently. The optimized reaction conditions for alkyl levulinate production, determined using the one‐variable‐at‐a‐time method, are as follows: 170 °C, 30 min, 150 mg of H 3 PWO 40 (HPA), 2 mL of co‐solvent, and 2 mL of alcohol based on 0.3 g of biomass. Under these conditions, complete substrate conversion is achieved, with alkyl levulinate yields ranging from 25% to 55%. Green metrics are employed to evaluate the sustainability of the process, demonstrating its alignment with green chemistry principles. The one‐pot approach reduces intermediate separation steps, minimizing waste. These findings contribute to the development of more sustainable biomass‐to‐chemical conversion pathways, reinforcing the potential of alkyl levulinates as bio‐based platform chemicals and contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

Influence of support of <scp>CuNi</scp> bimetal catalysts in the hydrogenative rearrangement of furfuryl alcohol to cyclopentanone

2025-06-12

Zhi‐Hao Cao , Xinyue Zhao , Qi Yang +4 more | Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology

Abstract BACKGROUND The sustainable synthesis of cyclopentanone from biomass‐derived furfural and/or furfuryl alcohol has attracted widespread attention in the carbon‐neutral industry. In this study, we investigated the influence of support … Abstract BACKGROUND The sustainable synthesis of cyclopentanone from biomass‐derived furfural and/or furfuryl alcohol has attracted widespread attention in the carbon‐neutral industry. In this study, we investigated the influence of support textural properties and acidity on the catalytic performance of supported CuNi alloy nanoparticles (5 wt%–5 wt%). RESULTS CuNi alloy particles with a size of approximately 16 nm were obtained on SiO 2 and Al‐containing siliceous materials (Al‐MCM‐41, MCM‐22, USY‐6, ZSM‐5 and H‐Beta). The number of total acid sites follows the trend of 5Cu5Ni/H‐Beta (1.37 mmol g −1 ) > 5Cu5Ni/ZSM‐5 (1.03 mmol g −1 ) > 5Cu5Ni/MCM‐22 (0.87 mmol g −1 ) > 5Cu5Ni/USY‐6 (0.70 mmol g −1 ) > 5Cu5Ni/Al 2 O 3 (0.35 mmol g −1 ) > 5Cu5Ni/SiO 2 (0.24 mmol g −1 ). 5Cu5Ni/ZSM‐5 shows the largest amount of strong acid sites with ca 0.43 mmol g −1 . Catalytic tests indicated that furfuryl alcohol is a more effective starting reagent for this process than furfural. When an aqueous solution of furfuryl alcohol (5 wt%) was used, 5Cu5Ni/H‐Beta exhibited 67% selectivity for cyclopentanone with almost 100% furfuryl alcohol conversion. Moreover, the 5Cu5Ni/H‐Beta catalyst exhibited good reusability. CONCLUSION Supports with moderately acidic sites and fewer strongly acidic sites (MCM‐41, MCM‐22, USY‐6 and H‐Beta) favored the tandem synthesis of cyclopentanone from furfuryl alcohol. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).

High-Temperature methanolysis of cellulose: A method for efficient conversion of cellulose without hydrogen and without catalysts

2025-06-12

Yangyang Tang , Yuhang Li , Heping Yang +5 more | Fuel

Effect of the Second Metal Component and Support Type on the Catalytic Performance of NiO-MxOy/N for the One-Step Synthesis of 2-Cyclopentylcyclopentanone from Cyclopentanone

2025-06-11

Danhui Li , Rui Zhang , Xue Gang Luo +2 more | Energy & Fuels