Catalytic Production of Methyl Lactate from Fructose‐Based Carbohydrates Using Yttrium Modified ZSM‐5 Zeolite

Abstract

AbstractA yttrium modified ZSM‐5 zeolite (Y‐ZSM‐5) for catalytic production of methyl lactate (MLA) has been prepared through the ion exchange of commercially available H‐ZSM‐5 with yttrium chloride (YCl3) and subsequent calcination procedures. The successful preparation of Y‐ZSM‐5 was characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and nitrogen adsorption‐desorption measurement (BET method). The acid property of Y‐ZSM‐5 was investigated through NH3‐temperature programmed desorption (NH3‐TPD), and pyridine adsorption Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (Py‐IR), demonstrating the introduction of Y3+ species could enhance the acid sites of zeolite. The as‐prepared Y‐ZSM‐5 is an efficient catalyst for the catalytic conversion of fructose‐based carbohydrates into methyl lactate (MLA). Under the optimum conditions, 61.3 % of MLA yield can be afforded from fructose. Furthermore, sucrose and inulin could give 39.6 % and 45.6 % of MLA yield, respectively. Meanwhile, the Y‐ZSM‐5 is structurally stable and reusable, after being recycled 5 times, the catalyst showed no appreciable loss of activity.