Mechanocatalysis for biomass-derived chemicals and fuels

    Authors

    S. M. Hick; C. Griebel; D. T. Restrepo; J. H. Truitt; E. J. Buker; C. Bylda;R. G. Blair

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Green Chem.

    Keywords

    MECHANOCHEMICAL REACTIONS; ENZYMATIC-HYDROLYSIS; COMMINUTING DEVICES; CLAY-MINERALS; WATER; CELLULOSE; KINETICS; DEPOLYMERIZATION; POLYMERIZATION; MECHANISM; Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

    Abstract

    Heterogeneous catalysis cannot be easily applied to solids such as cellulose. However, by mechanically grinding the correct catalyst and reactant, it is possible to induce solid-solid catalysis or mechanocatalysis. This process allows a wide range of solids to be effectively utilized as feedstock for commercially relevant compounds. Here we show a set of structural and physical parameters important for the implementation of catalysts in mechanocatalytic processes and their application in the catalytic depolymerization of cellulose. Using the best catalysts, which possess high surface acidities and layered structures, up to 84% of the available cellulose can be converted to water-soluble compounds in a single pass. This approach offers significant advantages over current methods - less waste, insensitivity to feedstock, multiple product pathways, and scalability. It can be easily integrated into existing biorefineries - converting them into multi-feedstock and multi-product facilities. This will expand the use of non-food polysaccharide sources such as switch grass.

    Journal Title

    Green Chemistry

    Volume

    12

    Issue/Number

    3

    Publication Date

    1-1-2010

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    468

    Last Page

    474

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000275379600019

    ISSN

    1463-9262

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