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2022 Volume 38 Issue 10
2022, 38(10): 220301
doi: 10.3866/PKU.WHXB202203016
Abstract:
Sustainable fuels and chemicals are receiving unprecedented attention worldwide in the context of achieving global carbon neutrality. Biomass, as the only natural and sustainable carbon-based source, shows great potential in addressing our current environmental/energy problems and in creating a carbon-neutral society. Lignocellulosic biomass is made up of basic structural units containing C―O/C―C bonds, and the catalytic cleavage of these C―O/C―C bonds is the key for biomass valorization; thus, garnering considerable attention in the past decade. This viewpoint begins with a brief report on the current status of catalytic activation/cleavage of C―O/C―C bonds during biomass conversion, and then goes on to discuss the key challenges experienced and possible strategies that can be implemented using cooperative catalysis. Our goal is not to provide a comprehensive overview of the activation/cleavage of the C―O/C―C bonds in biomass, but rather to highlight the core questions and challenges related to this process and the requirements for future investigations. We selected several representative C―O/C―C bonds in carbohydrates and lignin to discuss their catalytic mechanism in terms of total/selective bond cleavage, and then present our own insights for future studies. Therefore, this article mainly discusses the following two aspects: (1) The activation and cleavage of C―O bonds, which includes total and selective C―O bond cleavage in furan-based fuel precursors and lignin. When aiming to produce liquid fuels, including alkanes and arenes from biomass, the total cleavage of C―O bonds is essential. During the hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of furan-based fuel precursors, various C―O bonds need to be cleaved, especially the C―O bond of each tetrahydrofuran ring, which has the highest bond energy. When compared with the total HDO of fuel precursors, the removal of the phenolic hydroxyl groups in lignin to produce arenes is more challenging because of the competition between the over-hydrogenation of the benzene rings and the cleavage of phenolic C―O bonds. The selective or partial cleavage of C―O/C―C bonds to form highly functionalized chemicals has recently attracted great interest and is believed to be a dynamic future research avenue. For example, the production of phenol from lignin or lignin-model compounds, through the selective removal of methoxy groups and para-side-chain groups, while preserving the phenolic hydroxyl groups, has been extensively explored in the past few years. (2) The other important aspect of this article is the cleavage of the C―C bonds in carbohydrates and lignin. The cleavage of carbohydrate C―C bonds occurs via retro-aldol condensation, which produces propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, ethanol, and lactic acid. The cleavage of C―C bonds in lignin is challenging because the bond energy of the C―C bonds is generally higher than that of the C―O bonds in lignin. Therefore, in this section, we discuss the cleavage of the strongest 5―5' bond in lignin. Finally, some subjective perspectives and future directions are provided, also highlighting several major challenges in this field. ![]()
Sustainable fuels and chemicals are receiving unprecedented attention worldwide in the context of achieving global carbon neutrality. Biomass, as the only natural and sustainable carbon-based source, shows great potential in addressing our current environmental/energy problems and in creating a carbon-neutral society. Lignocellulosic biomass is made up of basic structural units containing C―O/C―C bonds, and the catalytic cleavage of these C―O/C―C bonds is the key for biomass valorization; thus, garnering considerable attention in the past decade. This viewpoint begins with a brief report on the current status of catalytic activation/cleavage of C―O/C―C bonds during biomass conversion, and then goes on to discuss the key challenges experienced and possible strategies that can be implemented using cooperative catalysis. Our goal is not to provide a comprehensive overview of the activation/cleavage of the C―O/C―C bonds in biomass, but rather to highlight the core questions and challenges related to this process and the requirements for future investigations. We selected several representative C―O/C―C bonds in carbohydrates and lignin to discuss their catalytic mechanism in terms of total/selective bond cleavage, and then present our own insights for future studies. Therefore, this article mainly discusses the following two aspects: (1) The activation and cleavage of C―O bonds, which includes total and selective C―O bond cleavage in furan-based fuel precursors and lignin. When aiming to produce liquid fuels, including alkanes and arenes from biomass, the total cleavage of C―O bonds is essential. During the hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of furan-based fuel precursors, various C―O bonds need to be cleaved, especially the C―O bond of each tetrahydrofuran ring, which has the highest bond energy. When compared with the total HDO of fuel precursors, the removal of the phenolic hydroxyl groups in lignin to produce arenes is more challenging because of the competition between the over-hydrogenation of the benzene rings and the cleavage of phenolic C―O bonds. The selective or partial cleavage of C―O/C―C bonds to form highly functionalized chemicals has recently attracted great interest and is believed to be a dynamic future research avenue. For example, the production of phenol from lignin or lignin-model compounds, through the selective removal of methoxy groups and para-side-chain groups, while preserving the phenolic hydroxyl groups, has been extensively explored in the past few years. (2) The other important aspect of this article is the cleavage of the C―C bonds in carbohydrates and lignin. The cleavage of carbohydrate C―C bonds occurs via retro-aldol condensation, which produces propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, ethanol, and lactic acid. The cleavage of C―C bonds in lignin is challenging because the bond energy of the C―C bonds is generally higher than that of the C―O bonds in lignin. Therefore, in this section, we discuss the cleavage of the strongest 5―5' bond in lignin. Finally, some subjective perspectives and future directions are provided, also highlighting several major challenges in this field.
2022, 38(10): 220403
doi: 10.3866/PKU.WHXB202204031
Abstract:
Dimethyl furan-2, 5-dicarboxylate (DMFDCA) is a valuable biomass-derived chemical that is an ideal alternative to fossil-derived terephthalic acid as a monomer for polymers. The one-step oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to DMFDCA is of practical significance. It not only shortens the reaction pathway but also avoids the separation process of intermediates; thus, reducing cost. In this work, non-noble bimetallic catalysts supported on N-doped porous carbon (CoMn@NC) were synthesized via a one-step co-pyrolysis procedure using different pyrolysis temperatures and proportions of metal precursors and additives. We employed the prepared CoMn@NC catalysts in the aerobic oxidation of HMF under mild reaction conditions to obtain DMFDCA. High-yield DMFDCA was obtained by screening the prepared catalysts and optimizing the reaction conditions, including the strength and amount of the base, as well as the reaction temperature. The optimized yield of DMFDCA was 85% over the Co3Mn2@NC-800 catalyst after 12 h at 50 ℃ using ambient-pressure oxygen. The physicochemical properties of the catalysts were determined using a variety of characterization techniques, the factors affecting the performance of each catalyst were investigated, and the relationship between the physicochemical properties and performance of the prepared catalysts was elucidated. A porous structure with a high surface area had a positive effect on mass transfer efficiency. Cobalt nanoparticles (NPs) and atomically dispersed Mn were coordinated to N-doped carbon to form M―Nx (where M = Co or Mn). Based on the Mott-Schottky effect, there was significant electron transfer between each metal and the N-doped carbon, additionally, the metal NPs supplied electrons to the carbon atoms. The electron-deficient metal site in the pyridinic N-rich carbon was beneficial for the activation of HMF and oxygen. The activation of oxygen produced reactive oxygen species (such as superoxide radical anions) to ensure high selectivity to DMFDCA through dehydrogenative oxidation of the hemiacetal intermediate and hydroxymethyl group of 5-hydroxymethyl-2-methyl-furoate. The existence of disordered and defective carbons increased the number of active sites. Subsequently, we performed a series of control experiments. Based on our current experimental results and previous studies, we propose a simple mechanism for the aerobic oxidation of HMF to DMFDCA. The catalyst was stable, its performance decreased slightly after two cycles, and it was tolerant to SCN− ions and resistant against N or S poisoning. Furthermore, the use of this catalytic system can be expanded to various substituted aromatic alcohols, such as benzyl alcohols with different substituents, furfuryl alcohol, and heterocyclic alcohols. Simultaneously, the product type was further extended from methyl esters to ethyl esters with a high yield when the substrate reacted with ethanol. In conclusion, this catalytic system can be applied in the production of carboxylic esters for polymers.![]()
Dimethyl furan-2, 5-dicarboxylate (DMFDCA) is a valuable biomass-derived chemical that is an ideal alternative to fossil-derived terephthalic acid as a monomer for polymers. The one-step oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to DMFDCA is of practical significance. It not only shortens the reaction pathway but also avoids the separation process of intermediates; thus, reducing cost. In this work, non-noble bimetallic catalysts supported on N-doped porous carbon (CoMn@NC) were synthesized via a one-step co-pyrolysis procedure using different pyrolysis temperatures and proportions of metal precursors and additives. We employed the prepared CoMn@NC catalysts in the aerobic oxidation of HMF under mild reaction conditions to obtain DMFDCA. High-yield DMFDCA was obtained by screening the prepared catalysts and optimizing the reaction conditions, including the strength and amount of the base, as well as the reaction temperature. The optimized yield of DMFDCA was 85% over the Co3Mn2@NC-800 catalyst after 12 h at 50 ℃ using ambient-pressure oxygen. The physicochemical properties of the catalysts were determined using a variety of characterization techniques, the factors affecting the performance of each catalyst were investigated, and the relationship between the physicochemical properties and performance of the prepared catalysts was elucidated. A porous structure with a high surface area had a positive effect on mass transfer efficiency. Cobalt nanoparticles (NPs) and atomically dispersed Mn were coordinated to N-doped carbon to form M―Nx (where M = Co or Mn). Based on the Mott-Schottky effect, there was significant electron transfer between each metal and the N-doped carbon, additionally, the metal NPs supplied electrons to the carbon atoms. The electron-deficient metal site in the pyridinic N-rich carbon was beneficial for the activation of HMF and oxygen. The activation of oxygen produced reactive oxygen species (such as superoxide radical anions) to ensure high selectivity to DMFDCA through dehydrogenative oxidation of the hemiacetal intermediate and hydroxymethyl group of 5-hydroxymethyl-2-methyl-furoate. The existence of disordered and defective carbons increased the number of active sites. Subsequently, we performed a series of control experiments. Based on our current experimental results and previous studies, we propose a simple mechanism for the aerobic oxidation of HMF to DMFDCA. The catalyst was stable, its performance decreased slightly after two cycles, and it was tolerant to SCN− ions and resistant against N or S poisoning. Furthermore, the use of this catalytic system can be expanded to various substituted aromatic alcohols, such as benzyl alcohols with different substituents, furfuryl alcohol, and heterocyclic alcohols. Simultaneously, the product type was further extended from methyl esters to ethyl esters with a high yield when the substrate reacted with ethanol. In conclusion, this catalytic system can be applied in the production of carboxylic esters for polymers.
2022, 38(10): 220403
doi: 10.3866/PKU.WHXB202204037
Abstract:
Lignin is a natural aromatic polymer that accounts for nearly 30% of lignocellulose and is considered the only renewable aromatic (re)source for producing aromatic chemicals or liquid fuels via the cleavage of C―O ether bonds and C―C bonds. Thus far, the majority of investigations involving the production of valuable compounds via lignin hydrogenolysis have focused on the cleavage of relatively labile C―O bonds only, which restricts the efficiency of hydrogenolysis. Therefore, in this work, a bifunctional Pt/NbPWO catalyst was synthesized using hydrothermal and wet impregnation methods. It was found that aromatic monomers with a yield of 18.02% could be obtained by breaking the C―O and C―C bonds in alkali lignin. This reaction was applicable to breaking the key C―C bonds when the C―O ether bonds were broken in lignin polymers. The hydrogenolysis mechanism most likely involves the abundant Brønsted acid and Lewis acid sites on the catalyst that facilitate C―C bond activation. Additionally, the synergy between the support and Pt species in the Pt/NbPWO catalyst was primarily emphasized.![]()
Lignin is a natural aromatic polymer that accounts for nearly 30% of lignocellulose and is considered the only renewable aromatic (re)source for producing aromatic chemicals or liquid fuels via the cleavage of C―O ether bonds and C―C bonds. Thus far, the majority of investigations involving the production of valuable compounds via lignin hydrogenolysis have focused on the cleavage of relatively labile C―O bonds only, which restricts the efficiency of hydrogenolysis. Therefore, in this work, a bifunctional Pt/NbPWO catalyst was synthesized using hydrothermal and wet impregnation methods. It was found that aromatic monomers with a yield of 18.02% could be obtained by breaking the C―O and C―C bonds in alkali lignin. This reaction was applicable to breaking the key C―C bonds when the C―O ether bonds were broken in lignin polymers. The hydrogenolysis mechanism most likely involves the abundant Brønsted acid and Lewis acid sites on the catalyst that facilitate C―C bond activation. Additionally, the synergy between the support and Pt species in the Pt/NbPWO catalyst was primarily emphasized.
2022, 38(10): 220601
doi: 10.3866/PKU.WHXB202206019
Abstract:
Selective hydrogenation is a vital class of reaction. Various unsaturated functional groups in organic compounds, such as aromatic rings, alkynyl (C≡C), carbonyl (C＝O), nitro (-NO2), and alkenyl (C＝C) groups, are typical targets in selective hydrogenation. Therefore, selectivity is a key indicator of the efficiency of a designed hydrogenation reaction. 5-(Hydroxymethyl)furfural (HMF) is an important platform compound in the context of biomass conversion, and recently, the hydrogenation of HMF to produce fuels and other valuable chemicals has received significant attention. Controlling the selectivity of HMF hydrogenation is paramount because of the different reducible functional groups (C＝O, C-OH, and C＝C) in HMF. Moreover, the exploration of new routes for hydrogenating HMF to valuable chemicals is becoming attractive. 5-Methylfurfural (MF) is also an important organic compound; thus, the selective hydrogenation of HMF to MF is an essential synthetic route. However, this reaction has challenging thermodynamic and kinetic aspects, making it difficult to realize. Herein, we propose a strategy to design a highly efficient catalytic system for selective hydrogenation by exploiting the synergy between steric hindrance and hydrogen spillover. The design and preparation of the Pt@PVP/Nb2O5 catalyst (PVP = polyvinyl pyrrolidone; Nb2O5 = niobium(V) oxide) were also conducted. Surprisingly, HMF could be converted to MF with 92% selectivity at 100% HMF conversion. The reaction pathway was revealed through the combination of control experiments and density functional theory calculations. Although PVP blocked HMF from accessing the surface of Pt, hydrogen (H2) could be activated on the surface of Pt due to its small molecular size, and the activated H2 could migrate to the surface of Nb2O5 through a phenomenon called H2 spillover. The Lewis acidic surface of Nb2O5 could not adsorb the C＝O group but could adsorb and activate the C-OH group of HMF; therefore, when HMF was adsorbed on Nb2O5, the C-OH groups were hydrogenated by the spilled over H2 to form MF. The high selectivity of this reaction was realized because of the unique combination of steric effects, hydrogen spillover, and tuning of the electronic states of the Pt and Nb2O5 surfaces. This new route for producing MF has great potential for practical application owing to its discovered advantages. We believe that this novel strategy can be used to design catalysts for other selective hydrogenation reactions. Furthermore, this study demonstrates a significant breakthrough in selective hydrogenation, which will be of interest to researchers working on the utilization of biomass, organic synthesis, catalysis, and other related fields. ![]()
Selective hydrogenation is a vital class of reaction. Various unsaturated functional groups in organic compounds, such as aromatic rings, alkynyl (C≡C), carbonyl (C＝O), nitro (-NO2), and alkenyl (C＝C) groups, are typical targets in selective hydrogenation. Therefore, selectivity is a key indicator of the efficiency of a designed hydrogenation reaction. 5-(Hydroxymethyl)furfural (HMF) is an important platform compound in the context of biomass conversion, and recently, the hydrogenation of HMF to produce fuels and other valuable chemicals has received significant attention. Controlling the selectivity of HMF hydrogenation is paramount because of the different reducible functional groups (C＝O, C-OH, and C＝C) in HMF. Moreover, the exploration of new routes for hydrogenating HMF to valuable chemicals is becoming attractive. 5-Methylfurfural (MF) is also an important organic compound; thus, the selective hydrogenation of HMF to MF is an essential synthetic route. However, this reaction has challenging thermodynamic and kinetic aspects, making it difficult to realize. Herein, we propose a strategy to design a highly efficient catalytic system for selective hydrogenation by exploiting the synergy between steric hindrance and hydrogen spillover. The design and preparation of the Pt@PVP/Nb2O5 catalyst (PVP = polyvinyl pyrrolidone; Nb2O5 = niobium(V) oxide) were also conducted. Surprisingly, HMF could be converted to MF with 92% selectivity at 100% HMF conversion. The reaction pathway was revealed through the combination of control experiments and density functional theory calculations. Although PVP blocked HMF from accessing the surface of Pt, hydrogen (H2) could be activated on the surface of Pt due to its small molecular size, and the activated H2 could migrate to the surface of Nb2O5 through a phenomenon called H2 spillover. The Lewis acidic surface of Nb2O5 could not adsorb the C＝O group but could adsorb and activate the C-OH group of HMF; therefore, when HMF was adsorbed on Nb2O5, the C-OH groups were hydrogenated by the spilled over H2 to form MF. The high selectivity of this reaction was realized because of the unique combination of steric effects, hydrogen spillover, and tuning of the electronic states of the Pt and Nb2O5 surfaces. This new route for producing MF has great potential for practical application owing to its discovered advantages. We believe that this novel strategy can be used to design catalysts for other selective hydrogenation reactions. Furthermore, this study demonstrates a significant breakthrough in selective hydrogenation, which will be of interest to researchers working on the utilization of biomass, organic synthesis, catalysis, and other related fields.
2022, 38(10): 220701
doi: 10.3866/PKU.WHXB202207014
Abstract:
Glycerol is a versatile platform compound that is formed in considerable amounts as a by-product of biodiesel production. The catalytic selective hydrogenolysis of glycerol to 1, 3-propanediol (1, 3-PDO) provides a sustainable route for the synthesis of this important diol. In this study, a series of platinum-tungsten oxide (Pt-WOx) catalysts with different WOx surface densities dispersed on titanium(Ⅳ) oxide, zirconium(Ⅳ) oxide, and aluminum oxide supports were prepared and evaluated for the glycerol hydrogenolysis to 1, 3-PDO. The highest reaction activity and 1, 3-PDO selectivity were achieved at a WOx density of approximately 1.5–2.0 W·nm−2, with all three support materials. Such a strong dependence on the surface density of WOx revealed the critical role of the dispersed WOx domains in the hydrogenolysis of glycerol to 1, 3-PDO. The infrared spectra for carbon monoxide adsorption confirmed the electron transfer and strong interaction between the Pt particles and WOx domains. These phenomena were hypothesized to contribute to the superior selectivity to 1, 3-PDO over 1, 2-PDO of the supported Pt-WOx catalysts when compared with the corresponding supported Pt catalysts. The realized superior 1, 3-PDO selectivity was consistent with its higher stability on the Pt-WOx catalysts, as reflected by the lower reaction rate constant of 1, 3-PDO than those of 1, 2-PDO and glycerol obtained in their hydrogenolysis reactions. There existed a volcano-type dependence of the glycerol reaction activity on the hydrogen partial pressure. Such a dependence, together with the measured ratio (1 : 2) of the secondary to the primary C−H bonds in 1, 3-PDO in the presence of deuterium and deuterium oxide (replacing hydrogen and water, respectively), indicated that the glycerol hydrogenolysis proceeds by the kinetically relevant dehydrogenation of glycerol to the glyceraldehyde intermediate, followed by the dehydration and hydrogenation of glyceraldehyde to 1, 3-PDO over the Pt-WOx catalysts. ![]()
Glycerol is a versatile platform compound that is formed in considerable amounts as a by-product of biodiesel production. The catalytic selective hydrogenolysis of glycerol to 1, 3-propanediol (1, 3-PDO) provides a sustainable route for the synthesis of this important diol. In this study, a series of platinum-tungsten oxide (Pt-WOx) catalysts with different WOx surface densities dispersed on titanium(Ⅳ) oxide, zirconium(Ⅳ) oxide, and aluminum oxide supports were prepared and evaluated for the glycerol hydrogenolysis to 1, 3-PDO. The highest reaction activity and 1, 3-PDO selectivity were achieved at a WOx density of approximately 1.5–2.0 W·nm−2, with all three support materials. Such a strong dependence on the surface density of WOx revealed the critical role of the dispersed WOx domains in the hydrogenolysis of glycerol to 1, 3-PDO. The infrared spectra for carbon monoxide adsorption confirmed the electron transfer and strong interaction between the Pt particles and WOx domains. These phenomena were hypothesized to contribute to the superior selectivity to 1, 3-PDO over 1, 2-PDO of the supported Pt-WOx catalysts when compared with the corresponding supported Pt catalysts. The realized superior 1, 3-PDO selectivity was consistent with its higher stability on the Pt-WOx catalysts, as reflected by the lower reaction rate constant of 1, 3-PDO than those of 1, 2-PDO and glycerol obtained in their hydrogenolysis reactions. There existed a volcano-type dependence of the glycerol reaction activity on the hydrogen partial pressure. Such a dependence, together with the measured ratio (1 : 2) of the secondary to the primary C−H bonds in 1, 3-PDO in the presence of deuterium and deuterium oxide (replacing hydrogen and water, respectively), indicated that the glycerol hydrogenolysis proceeds by the kinetically relevant dehydrogenation of glycerol to the glyceraldehyde intermediate, followed by the dehydration and hydrogenation of glyceraldehyde to 1, 3-PDO over the Pt-WOx catalysts.
2022, 38(10): 220404
doi: 10.3866/PKU.WHXB202204045
Abstract:
High-melting hydrocarbon waxes (melting point: > 80 ℃), consisting of saturated alkanes with carbon numbers greater than 40, exhibit unique features including high melting points, high stability, low penetration, high viscosity, as well as good wear resistance and hardness. These features make high-melting waxes suitable for use in foods, cosmetics, materials processing, electronic machinery, national defense, aviation, medical fields, etc. Considering the fast growth of technology and the electronics industry, the world's economy relies on the production and utilization of high-quality high-melting waxes. However, most waxes in the world's current markets are prepared from mineral oils, and such commercial waxes have melting points in the range of 50–70 ℃. Considering the rapid consumption of high-melting waxes and specialty waxes, their supply insufficiency is anticipated to exceed 700000 t. High-melting waxes are divided into polyethylene (PE) wax and Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) wax, based on synthesis methodology. PE wax can be obtained via the polymerization of ethylene and can also be prepared via the thermal or catalytic cracking of plastics. PE cracking to form waxes, with the advantage of low cost, can effectively solve the problem of "white pollution" and make use of existing catalytic cracking units. However, this process results in high energy consumption to achieve waste polymer depolymerization and exhibits some drawbacks, such as a wide carbon number distribution and high impurity content in the obtained PE waxes. However, there are some new methods for synthesizing PE waxes, such as cross alkane metathesis. The FTS, which uses carbon monoxide and hydrogen as raw materials, realizes the synthesis of waxes through carbon chain growth. Although the high-melting FTS waxes display excellent performance and the technology is gradually maturing, FTS waxes with different melting points are produced by rectification of products with various carbon chain lengths. Nonetheless, PE and FTS waxes are widely used in various industries because of their excellent properties. However, their synthesis is based on petroleum and coal-derived chemical products. Biomass-derived waxes have a narrow melting range due to their precise carbon chain growth process. Based on different application demands, small biomass platform molecules can be functionalized to fabricate biomass-derived waxes with special functions. More importantly, the biomass-based synthesis route is sustainable and in-line with the global values for mitigating carbon dioxide emissions and achieving carbon neutrality. This review discusses the recent advances in the synthesis techniques for high-melting waxes, including PE waxes, FTS waxes, and biomass-derived waxes. Furthermore, the catalysts and reaction mechanisms involved in the synthesis of high-melting waxes are discussed in detail. Finally, the perspectives and trends of high-melting waxes are reviewed to promote the emergence of new processes and technical routes. ![]()
High-melting hydrocarbon waxes (melting point: > 80 ℃), consisting of saturated alkanes with carbon numbers greater than 40, exhibit unique features including high melting points, high stability, low penetration, high viscosity, as well as good wear resistance and hardness. These features make high-melting waxes suitable for use in foods, cosmetics, materials processing, electronic machinery, national defense, aviation, medical fields, etc. Considering the fast growth of technology and the electronics industry, the world's economy relies on the production and utilization of high-quality high-melting waxes. However, most waxes in the world's current markets are prepared from mineral oils, and such commercial waxes have melting points in the range of 50–70 ℃. Considering the rapid consumption of high-melting waxes and specialty waxes, their supply insufficiency is anticipated to exceed 700000 t. High-melting waxes are divided into polyethylene (PE) wax and Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) wax, based on synthesis methodology. PE wax can be obtained via the polymerization of ethylene and can also be prepared via the thermal or catalytic cracking of plastics. PE cracking to form waxes, with the advantage of low cost, can effectively solve the problem of "white pollution" and make use of existing catalytic cracking units. However, this process results in high energy consumption to achieve waste polymer depolymerization and exhibits some drawbacks, such as a wide carbon number distribution and high impurity content in the obtained PE waxes. However, there are some new methods for synthesizing PE waxes, such as cross alkane metathesis. The FTS, which uses carbon monoxide and hydrogen as raw materials, realizes the synthesis of waxes through carbon chain growth. Although the high-melting FTS waxes display excellent performance and the technology is gradually maturing, FTS waxes with different melting points are produced by rectification of products with various carbon chain lengths. Nonetheless, PE and FTS waxes are widely used in various industries because of their excellent properties. However, their synthesis is based on petroleum and coal-derived chemical products. Biomass-derived waxes have a narrow melting range due to their precise carbon chain growth process. Based on different application demands, small biomass platform molecules can be functionalized to fabricate biomass-derived waxes with special functions. More importantly, the biomass-based synthesis route is sustainable and in-line with the global values for mitigating carbon dioxide emissions and achieving carbon neutrality. This review discusses the recent advances in the synthesis techniques for high-melting waxes, including PE waxes, FTS waxes, and biomass-derived waxes. Furthermore, the catalysts and reaction mechanisms involved in the synthesis of high-melting waxes are discussed in detail. Finally, the perspectives and trends of high-melting waxes are reviewed to promote the emergence of new processes and technical routes.
2022, 38(10): 220503
doi: 10.3866/PKU.WHXB2022205032
Abstract:
Biomass, as a renewable carbon resource in nature, has been considered as an ideal starting feedstock to produce various valuable chemicals, fuels, and materials, and thus, can help build a sustainable chemical industry. Because cellulose is one of the richest components in lignocellulosic biomass, the efficient transformation of cellulose plays a crucial role in biomass utilization. However, there are many oxygen-containing groups in cellulose, and therefore, the selective removal of particular functional groups from cellulose becomes an essential step in the synthesis of the chemicals or fuels that can meet the requirements set by current chemical industries. In the past decades, several efficient catalytic systems have been developed to selectively split the C―O bonds inside cellulose and its derivatives, thereby producing various valuable chemicals. In this review article, we highlight recent progress made in the selective deoxygenation of cellulose and its derived key platforms such as glucose and 5-hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF) into ethanol, dimethyl furfural (DMF), 1, 6-hexanediol (1, 6-HD), and adipic acid. The selection of these reactions is primarily because these chemicals are of great significance in chemical industries. More importantly, the formation of these chemicals represents the cleavage of different C―O bonds in biomass molecules. For instance, the synthesis of ethanol requires cleaving of only one C―O bond and two C―C bonds of the glucose unit inside cellulose. If two or more C―O bonds in the sugar or sugar acids are cleaved, olefins, oxygen-reduced sugars, and adipic acid will be attained. HMF has a furan ring linked by hydroxyl/carbonyl groups, and hence, either a furanic compound (e.g., DMF) or linear products (e.g., 1, 6-HD and adipic acid) can be synthesized by selective removal of hydroxyl/carbonyl oxygen or ring oxygen atoms. This article focuses on the selective cleavage of particular C―O bonds via heterogeneous catalysis. Efficient catalytic systems using hydrogenolysis and/or deoxydehydration strategies for these transformations are discussed. Moreover, the functions of typical catalysts and reaction mechanisms are presented to obtain insight into the C―O bond cleavage in these biomass molecules. Additionally, other factors such as reaction conditions that also influence the deoxygenation performance are analyzed. We hope that these knowledge gained on the catalytic deoxygenation of cellulose and its derived platforms will promote the rational design of effective strategies or catalysts in the future utilization of lignocellulosic biomass.![]()
Biomass, as a renewable carbon resource in nature, has been considered as an ideal starting feedstock to produce various valuable chemicals, fuels, and materials, and thus, can help build a sustainable chemical industry. Because cellulose is one of the richest components in lignocellulosic biomass, the efficient transformation of cellulose plays a crucial role in biomass utilization. However, there are many oxygen-containing groups in cellulose, and therefore, the selective removal of particular functional groups from cellulose becomes an essential step in the synthesis of the chemicals or fuels that can meet the requirements set by current chemical industries. In the past decades, several efficient catalytic systems have been developed to selectively split the C―O bonds inside cellulose and its derivatives, thereby producing various valuable chemicals. In this review article, we highlight recent progress made in the selective deoxygenation of cellulose and its derived key platforms such as glucose and 5-hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF) into ethanol, dimethyl furfural (DMF), 1, 6-hexanediol (1, 6-HD), and adipic acid. The selection of these reactions is primarily because these chemicals are of great significance in chemical industries. More importantly, the formation of these chemicals represents the cleavage of different C―O bonds in biomass molecules. For instance, the synthesis of ethanol requires cleaving of only one C―O bond and two C―C bonds of the glucose unit inside cellulose. If two or more C―O bonds in the sugar or sugar acids are cleaved, olefins, oxygen-reduced sugars, and adipic acid will be attained. HMF has a furan ring linked by hydroxyl/carbonyl groups, and hence, either a furanic compound (e.g., DMF) or linear products (e.g., 1, 6-HD and adipic acid) can be synthesized by selective removal of hydroxyl/carbonyl oxygen or ring oxygen atoms. This article focuses on the selective cleavage of particular C―O bonds via heterogeneous catalysis. Efficient catalytic systems using hydrogenolysis and/or deoxydehydration strategies for these transformations are discussed. Moreover, the functions of typical catalysts and reaction mechanisms are presented to obtain insight into the C―O bond cleavage in these biomass molecules. Additionally, other factors such as reaction conditions that also influence the deoxygenation performance are analyzed. We hope that these knowledge gained on the catalytic deoxygenation of cellulose and its derived platforms will promote the rational design of effective strategies or catalysts in the future utilization of lignocellulosic biomass.
2022, 38(10): 220502
doi: 10.3866/PKU.WHXB202205027
Abstract:
Because fossil fuels are continuously depleted, valorization of biomass into valuable liquid products and chemicals is of great significance yet it remains challenging. Among many biomass-derived products, lactic acid is one of the most important renewable monomers for preparing the degradable polymer polylactic acid. The use of raw biomass to produce lactic acid through catalytic conversion is an attractive approach. In this work, the catalytic reaction performance and mechanism of different Lewis acids (Y3+, Sc3+, and Al3+) for the production of lactic acid from cellulose were investigated in detail by isotopic nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry. The production of lactic acid from cellulose includes tandem and competing reactions. The order of catalytic activity for the one-pot conversion of cellulose into lactic acid is as follows: Y3+ > Al3+ > Sc3+. The main tandem reactions involve the hydrolysis of cellulose into glucose, the isomerization of glucose into fructose (the order of catalytic activity, the same below: Y3+ > Al3+, Y3+ > Sc3+), the cleavage of fructose via a retro-aldol reaction to glyceraldehyde (GLY) and 1, 3-dihydroxyacetone (DHA) (Sc3+ > Y3+ > Al3+), and the conversion of DHA or GLY to the final product lactic acid (Al3+ > Y3+ > Sc3+). It was found that the process of glucose isomerization to fructose was the key step to the final selectivity of the tandem reaction of cellulose conversion to lactic acid, and it was clarified that the production of lactic acid from DHA underwent a keto-enol (K-E) tautomerization process rather than a classical 1, 2-shift process. First, DHA was transformed into GLY via the isomerization process, then the adjacent hydroxyl group of GLY was removed in the form of water to produce an α, β-unsaturated species. After that, the α, β-unsaturated species underwent K-E tautomerization to generate unsaturated aldehyde-ketone intermediates. Meanwhile, a molecule of water was added to aldehyde-ketone intermediates to obtain a diol product, the hydrogen atom at the methine position was transferred and the lactic acid was finally obtained through the K-E tautomerization process. The in-depth understanding of the reaction mechanism presented in this work will help to design more selective catalysts for cellulose conversion into value-added oxygen-containing small molecule chemicals. ![]()
Because fossil fuels are continuously depleted, valorization of biomass into valuable liquid products and chemicals is of great significance yet it remains challenging. Among many biomass-derived products, lactic acid is one of the most important renewable monomers for preparing the degradable polymer polylactic acid. The use of raw biomass to produce lactic acid through catalytic conversion is an attractive approach. In this work, the catalytic reaction performance and mechanism of different Lewis acids (Y3+, Sc3+, and Al3+) for the production of lactic acid from cellulose were investigated in detail by isotopic nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry. The production of lactic acid from cellulose includes tandem and competing reactions. The order of catalytic activity for the one-pot conversion of cellulose into lactic acid is as follows: Y3+ > Al3+ > Sc3+. The main tandem reactions involve the hydrolysis of cellulose into glucose, the isomerization of glucose into fructose (the order of catalytic activity, the same below: Y3+ > Al3+, Y3+ > Sc3+), the cleavage of fructose via a retro-aldol reaction to glyceraldehyde (GLY) and 1, 3-dihydroxyacetone (DHA) (Sc3+ > Y3+ > Al3+), and the conversion of DHA or GLY to the final product lactic acid (Al3+ > Y3+ > Sc3+). It was found that the process of glucose isomerization to fructose was the key step to the final selectivity of the tandem reaction of cellulose conversion to lactic acid, and it was clarified that the production of lactic acid from DHA underwent a keto-enol (K-E) tautomerization process rather than a classical 1, 2-shift process. First, DHA was transformed into GLY via the isomerization process, then the adjacent hydroxyl group of GLY was removed in the form of water to produce an α, β-unsaturated species. After that, the α, β-unsaturated species underwent K-E tautomerization to generate unsaturated aldehyde-ketone intermediates. Meanwhile, a molecule of water was added to aldehyde-ketone intermediates to obtain a diol product, the hydrogen atom at the methine position was transferred and the lactic acid was finally obtained through the K-E tautomerization process. The in-depth understanding of the reaction mechanism presented in this work will help to design more selective catalysts for cellulose conversion into value-added oxygen-containing small molecule chemicals.
