Chapter 4. Using calorimetry to study catalytic surfaces and processes for biomass valorization

Abstract

Biomass conversion reactions offer a promising way to reduce the environmental impact of chemical processes. Many of these reactions are acid-catalyzed. This chapter presents adsorption microcalorimetry as an interesting tool to characterize the acid-base properties of the relevant catalysts. After a brief introduction to the technique, most of the discussion is devoted to case studies concerning various applications to gas- and liquid-phase reactions such as 5-HMF synthesis and production of acrolein. These show how adsorption microcalorimetry can be used to study and explain the catalytic activity and consequently help to improve the reaction yield and selectivity.