Valorization of Biomass Using Novel Catalytic and Electrocatalytic Processes

Valorization of Biomass Using Novel Catalytic and Electrocatalytic Processes

Author: Manali Dhawan

Publisher:

Published: 2021

Total Pages: 228

ISBN-13:

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Increasing energy requirements and environmental pollution, along with predicted shortages of fossil fuels in the near future, have accelerated the search for alternative renewable energy sources. Biomass is a promising renewable resource for the production of value-added fuels and chemicals. In this work, triglycerides, furfural and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) are used as bio-derived feedstock chemicals for chemo- or electro-catalytic conversion to valuable chemicals that find applications in fuels, polymer, perfumery and pharmaceutical industries.Chemical interesterification of triglycerides was conducted with methyl acetate, as an alternative to transesterification, to co-produce biodiesel and a higher value-added compound, triacetin, instead of glycerol. Conversion of waste methyl acetate in terephthalic acid production industry using triglyceride into two valorized products biodiesel and triacetin is a novel idea. Biodiesel is a well-known renewable fuel and triacetin can be used as a fuel additive. Amongst various base catalysts screened, calcined Mg-Al hydrotalcite (Mg:Al mole ratio - 3:1) was found to have the best activity in terms triglyceride conversion and triacetin selectivity.We also studied the etherification of HMF with ethylene glycol to produce 5-(2- hydroxyethoxymethyl) furfural (HEMF), which finds application as a fuel additive. Metal substituted heteropoly acid catalysts were identified as a chemo-selective catalyst that favored etherification of HMF over acetalization reaction. Aluminum substituted dodecatungsto-phosphoric acid achieved the highest HMF conversion and HEMF selectivity, which was attributed to the combined role of the catalyst's Lewis and Bronsted acidity.Further, electrocatalytic hydrogenation (ECH) of furfural using zinc as a novel metal catalyst was studied to produce furfuryl alcohol and 2-methylfuran, which have applications in pharmaceutical, polymer and fuel industries. The effect of metal catalyst and electrolyte pH on the yield and Faradaic efficiency (FE) of the desired products was studied. Electrolysis at neutral pH (pH 6 to 8) exhibited increased yields and FE as compared to acidic and basic pH. FE for ECH of furfural with Zn was remarkably higher as compared to Cu and Ni.However, during ECH of furfural, the total yield of the desired products was low compared to the conversion of furfural which was due to electrodimerization reactions. Thus, zinc metal nanoparticles were synthesized by electrodeposition to achieve higher activity for furfural ECH as compared to bare zinc metal due to high surface area and roughness. Furfural electrolysis in 0.5 M bicarbonate electrolyte at -0.6 V/RHE yielded higher conversion, yield and FE as compared to bare zinc. Catalyst characterization revealed the presence of surface zinc oxide species post- electrolysis, which could have a role in reaction mechanism.Overall, this work contributes to the field of biomass valorization, by identifying new selective catalysts and processes to produce value-added chemicals using renewable bio-derived feedstocks. Catalyst synthesis, reaction engineering and process optimization studied for biomass conversion processes in this work will aid in future process intensification of such processes.


Catalytic Processes for The Valorisation of Biomass Derived Molecules

Catalytic Processes for The Valorisation of Biomass Derived Molecules

Author: Francesco Mauriello

Publisher: MDPI

Published: 2019-11-22

Total Pages: 114

ISBN-13: 3039219146

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In the last decades, inedible lignocellulosic biomasses have attracted significant attention for being abundant resources that are not in competition with agricultural land or food production and, therefore, can be used as starting renewable material for the production of a wide variety of platform chemicals. The three main components of lignocellulosic biomasses are cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin, complex biopolymers that can be converted into a pool of platform molecules including sugars, polyols, alchols, ketons, ethers, acids and aromatics. Various technologies have been explored for their one-pot conversion into chemicals, fuels and materials. However, in order to develop new catalytic processes for the selective production of desired products, a complete understanding of the molecular aspects of the basic chemistry and reactivity of biomass derived molecules is still crucial. This Special Issue reports on recent progress and advances in the catalytic valorization of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin model molecules promoted by novel heterogeneous systems for the production of energy, fuels and chemicals.


Nano-(Bio)Catalysis in Lignocellulosic Biomass Valorization

Nano-(Bio)Catalysis in Lignocellulosic Biomass Valorization

Author: Rafael Luque

Publisher: Frontiers Media SA

Published: 2019-03-01

Total Pages: 170

ISBN-13: 2889457729

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The valorization of lignocellulosic biomass, in the form of forest and agricultural wastes, industrial processing side-streams, and dedicated energy crops, toward chemicals, fuels and added-value products has become a major research area with increasing exploitation potential. The efficient and tailored depolymerization of biomass or its primary structural components (hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin) to platform chemicals, i.e., sugars, phenolics, furans, ketones, organic acids, etc. is highly dependent on the development of novel or modified chemo- and bio-catalytic processes that take into account the peculiarities and recalcitrance of biomass as feedstock, compared for example to petroleum fractions. The present Research Topic in Frontiers in Chemistry, Section of Green and Sustainable Chemistry, entitled “Nano-(bio)catalysis in lignocellulosic biomass valorization” aims to further contribute to the momentum of research and development in the (bio)catalytic conversion of biomass, by featuring original research papers as well as two review papers, authored and reviewed by experts in the field. The Research Topic addresses various representative reactions and processes in biomass valorization, highlighting the importance of developing novel, efficient and stable nano-(bio)catalysts with tailored properties according to the nature of the reactant/feedstock and the targeted products.


Biomass Processing over Gold Catalysts

Biomass Processing over Gold Catalysts

Author: Olga A. Simakova

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2013-07-13

Total Pages: 54

ISBN-13: 3319009060

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The book describes the valorization of biomass-derived compounds over gold catalysts. Since biomass is a rich renewable feedstock for diverse platform molecules, including those currently derived from petroleum, the interest in various transformation routes has become intense. Catalytic conversion of biomass is one of the main approaches to improving the economic viability of biorefineries. In addition, Gold catalysts were found to have outstanding activity and selectivity in many key reactions. This book collects information about transformations of the most promising and important compounds derived from cellulose, hemicelluloses, and woody biomass extractives. Since gold catalysts possess high stability under oxidative conditions, selective oxidation reactions were discussed more thoroughly than other critical reactions such as partial hydrogenation, acetalization, and isomerization. The influence of reaction conditions, the role of the catalyst, and the advantages and disadvantages of using gold are presented for all of the reactions mentioned above. This book provides an overview of the recent research results focusing on application of gold catalysts for synthesis of valuable chemicals using renewable feedstocks.


Biomass Valorization

Biomass Valorization

Author: Davide Ravelli

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2021-05-24

Total Pages: 434

ISBN-13: 3527825037

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Explore the potential of biomass-based chemicals with this comprehensive new reference from leading voices in the field With the depletion of fossil raw materials a readily ascertainable inevitability, the exploitation of biomass-based renewable derivatives becomes ever more practical and realistic. In Biomass Valorization: Sustainable Methods for the Production of Chemicals, accomplished researchers and authors Davide Ravelli and Chiara Samori deliver a thorough compilation of state-of-the-art techniques and most advanced strategies used to convert biomass into useful building blocks and commodity chemicals. Each chapter in this collection of insightful papers begins by detailing the core components of the described technology, along with a fulsome description of its advantages and limitations, before moving on to a discussion of recent advancements in the field. The discussions are grouped by the processed biomass, such as terrestrial biomass, aquatic biomass, and biomass-deriving waste. Readers will also benefit from the inclusion of: A thorough introduction to the role of biomass in the production of chemicals An exploration of biomass processing via acid, base and metal catalysis, as well as biocatalysis A practical discussion of biomass processing via pyrolysis and thermochemical-biological hybrid processes A concise treatment of biomass processing assisted by ultrasound and via electrochemical, photochemical and mechanochemical means Perfect for chemical engineers, catalytic chemists, biotechnologists, and polymer chemists, Biomass Valorization: Sustainable Methods for the Production of Chemicals will also earn a place in the libraries of environmental chemists and professionals working with organometallics and natural products chemists.


Handbook of Biomass Valorization for Industrial Applications

Handbook of Biomass Valorization for Industrial Applications

Author: Shahid ul-Islam

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2022-01-05

Total Pages: 555

ISBN-13: 1119818796

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HANDBOOK of BIOMASS VALORIZATION for INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS The handbook provides a comprehensive view of cutting-edge research on biomass valorization, from advanced fabrication methodologies through useful derived materials, to current and potential application sectors. Industrial sectors, such as food, textiles, petrochemicals and pharmaceuticals, generate massive amounts of waste each year, the disposal of which has become a major issue worldwide. As a result, implementing a circular economy that employs sustainable practices in waste management is critical for any industry. Moreover, fossil fuels, which are the primary sources of fuel in the transportation sector, are also being rapidly depleted at an alarming rate. Therefore, to combat these global issues without increasing our carbon footprint, we must look for renewable resources to produce chemicals and biomaterials. In that context, agricultural waste materials are gaining popularity as cost-effective and abundantly available alternatives to fossil resources for the production of a variety of value-added products, including renewable fuels, fuel components, and fuel additives. Handbook of Biomass Valorization for Industrial Applications investigates current and emerging feedstocks, as well as provides in-depth technical information on advanced catalytic processes and technologies that enable the development of all possible alternative energy sources. The 22 chapters of this book comprehensively cover the valorization of agricultural wastes and their various uses in value-added applications like energy, biofuels, fertilizers, and wastewater treatment. Audience The book is intended for a very broad audience working in the fields of materials sciences, chemical engineering, nanotechnology, energy, environment, chemistry, etc. This book will be an invaluable reference source for the libraries in universities and industrial institutions, government and independent institutes, individual research groups, and scientists working in the field of valorization of biomass.


Chemical Catalysts for Biomass Upgrading

Chemical Catalysts for Biomass Upgrading

Author: Mark Crocker

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2020-03-09

Total Pages: 634

ISBN-13: 3527344667

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A comprehensive reference to the use of innovative catalysts and processes to turn biomass into value-added chemicals Chemical Catalysts for Biomass Upgrading offers detailed descriptions of catalysts and catalytic processes employed in the synthesis of chemicals and fuels from the most abundant and important biomass types. The contributors?noted experts on the topic?focus on the application of catalysts to the pyrolysis of whole biomass and to the upgrading of bio-oils. The authors discuss catalytic approaches to the processing of biomass-derived oxygenates, as exemplified by sugars, via reactions such as reforming, hydrogenation, oxidation, and condensation reactions. Additionally, the book provides an overview of catalysts for lignin valorization via oxidative and reductive methods and considers the conversion of fats and oils to fuels and terminal olefins by means of esterification/transesterification, hydrodeoxygenation, and decarboxylation/decarbonylation processes. The authors also provide an overview of conversion processes based on terpenes and chitin, two emerging feedstocks with a rich chemistry, and summarize some of the emerging trends in the field. This important book: -Provides a comprehensive review of innovative catalysts, catalytic processes, and catalyst design -Offers a guide to one of the most promising ways to find useful alternatives for fossil fuel resources -Includes information on the most abundant and important types of biomass feedstocks -Examines fields such as catalytic cracking, pyrolysis, depolymerization, and many more Written for catalytic chemists, process engineers, environmental chemists, bioengineers, organic chemists, and polymer chemists, Chemical Catalysts for Biomass Upgrading presents deep insights on the most important aspects of biomass upgrading and their various types.


Production of Biofuels and Chemicals with Bifunctional Catalysts

Production of Biofuels and Chemicals with Bifunctional Catalysts

Author: Zhen Fang

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2017-12-27

Total Pages: 396

ISBN-13: 9811051372

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This book provides state-of-the-art reviews, current research, prospects and challenges of the production of biofuels and chemicals such as furanic biofuels, biodiesel, carboxylic acids, polyols and others from lignocellulosic biomass, furfurals, syngas and γ-valerolactone with bifunctional catalysts, including catalytic, and combined biological and chemical catalysis processes. The bifunctionality of catalytic materials is a concept of not only using multifunctional solid materials as activators, but also design of materials in such a way that the catalytic materials have synergistic characteristics that promote a cascade of transformations with performance beyond that of mixed mono-functional catalysts. This book is a reference designed for researchers, academicians and industrialists in the area of catalysis, energy, chemical engineering and biomass conversion. Readers will find the wealth of information contained in chapters both useful and essential, for assessing the production and application of various biofuels and chemicals by chemical catalysis and biological techniques.


Biomass, Biofuels, Biochemicals

Biomass, Biofuels, Biochemicals

Author: S. Saravanamurugan

Publisher: Elsevier

Published: 2019-10-23

Total Pages: 508

ISBN-13: 0444643087

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Biomass, Biofuels, Biochemicals: Recent Advances in Development of Platform Chemicals provides a detailed overview on the experimentally developed methods that facilitate platform chemicals derivation from biomass-based substrates with robust catalyst systems. In addition, the book highlights the green chemistry approach towards platform chemical production. Chapters discuss platform chemicals and global market volumes, the optimization of process schemes and reaction parameters with respect to achieving a high yield of targeted platform chemicals, such as sugars and furonic compounds by modifying the respective catalytic system, the influence of solvents on reaction selectivity and product distribution, and the long-term stability of employed catalysts. Overall, the objectives of the book are to provide the reader with an understanding of the societal importance of platform chemicals, an assessment of the techno-economic viability of biomass valorization processes, catalyst design for a specific reaction, and the design of a catalytic system. Covers recent developments on platform chemicals Provides comprehensive technological developments on specific platform chemicals Covers organic transformations, catalytic synthesis, thermal stability, reaction parameters and solvent effect Includes case studies on the production of a number of chemicals, such as Levulinic acid, glycerol, phenol derivatives, and more