Heterogeneously catalyzed conversion of nordic pulp to levulinic and formic acids

Johan Ahlkvist,Jyri-Pekka Mikkola,Johan Wärnå,Tapio Salmi

doi:10.1007/s11144-016-1069-7

Johan Ahlkvist, Jyri-Pekka Mikkola + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11144-016-1069-7

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Abstract

Herein, one-pot conversion of cellulose to platform chemicals, formic and levulinic acids was demonstrated. The catalyst selected was an affordable, acidic ion-exchange resin, Amberlyst 70, whereas ...

Highlights

Lignocellulosic biomass such as wood is an excellent raw material for converting renewables into fuel components and chemicals, since the utilization of this kind of biomass does not compete with food or feed production
Hereupon we describe an experimental and modelling study of the acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of soft wood dissolving pulp into levulinic acids through glucose and HMF as well as xylose, furfural and formic acid from the transformation of xylans in the pulp
Throughout all kinetic experiments, black insoluble substances known as humins were formed on the reactor walls and the amount was visibly increased with reaction time

Summary

Introduction

Lignocellulosic biomass such as wood is an excellent raw material for converting renewables into fuel components and chemicals, since the utilization of this kind of biomass does not compete with food or feed production. Sugar crops like e.g. sugarcane is often grown for non-food purposes (primarily transportation fuel blends) on farmland that competes with human related food production. After the initial boom of first generation biochemicals and fuels made from edible biomass, an ever increasing number of the so-called second generation biofuels produced from non-edible biomass (e.g. agricultural residues, lignocellulosics and other waste materials) have been introduced. Commercial operations and pilot units are either integrated as biorefineries combined with adjacent pulp and paper mills (utilizing e.g. black liquor and other secondary streams as sources of new products) or built as standalone processing units. In order to combine and re-invent the material streams of the old industry together with other processes and practices of chemical industry, a lot of new R&D efforts are required utilizing the existing and new technology solutions to produce a range of fossil-free alternatives of future

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