Esterification Of Bio-oil Research Articles

Catalyzing learning with green chemistry undergraduate research

AbstractGreen chemistry and sustainability are important concepts to incorporate into the undergraduate chemistry curriculum. Through the development of innovative undergraduate chemistry research projects in these areas, retention of students in the physical sciences can be improved. This paper describes two projects in undergraduate catalysis research: hydrogenation of furfural and the esterification of biooil from pyrolyzed wood. Catalytic transfer hydrogenation (CTH) of furfural with Pd/C led to the production of furfuryl alcohol, furfuryl isopropyl ether, 2-methylfuran, and tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol. The metal chloride additives improved selectivity for furfuryl alcohol and furfuryl isopropyl ether. Catalytic conversion of pyrolyzed wood biooil in ethanol with a solid acid catalyst yielded ethyl esters, including ethyl acetate and ethyl propionate, as characterized by GC/MS These projects are described in the context of engaging undergraduate students in hands-on research for the purpose of improving retention and persistence, as well as preparing young scientists to enter graduate programs and the STEM workforce.

Progress of using biochar as a catalyst in thermal conversion of biomass

Abstract Biochar is a solid residual produced from the thermochemical conversion of lignocellulosic biomass via pyrolysis or gasification. It is abundantly available and has a unique structure as well as multiple functionalities. This makes biochar a potential candidate for use as a catalyst or support in catalytic reactions relating to biomass conversion such as catalytic pyrolysis, gasification, esterification of bio-oil, tar reforming, hydrothermal treatments and upgrading of bio-oil. Although numerous studies have been conducted on the potential use of biochar in various catalysis reactions, information on the overall overview and evaluation of the feasibilities of its use, especially in biomass-related conversions, is still limited. This study reviews the state-of-the-art for the production of biochar catalyst as well as its application as a catalyst or support for catalysts in producing biofuel or syngas from biomass. Special attention is given to the reaction pathway of reactants over the surface of biochar and the potential application of biochar in commercial applications. The prospects and challenges for the application of biochar as catalysts for the thermal conversion of biomass are also proposed.

Formation of coke during the esterification of pyrolysis bio-oil

Aromatics with big ring structures were formed during the esterification of bio-oil.

Esterification of bio-oil from mallee (Eucalyptus loxophleba ssp. gratiae) leaves with a solid acid catalyst: Conversion of the cyclic ether and terpenoids into hydrocarbons

Bio-oil from pyrolysis of mallee (Eucalyptus loxophleba ssp. gratiae) leaves differs from that obtained with wood by its content of cyclic ethers, terpenoids and N-containing organic compounds. Upgrading of the leaf bio-oil in methanol with a solid acid catalyst was investigated and it was found that the N-containing organics in the bio-oil lead to deactivation of the catalyst in the initial stage of exposure and have to be removed via employing high catalyst loading to allow the occurrence of other acid-catalysed reactions. Eucalyptol, the main cyclic ether in the bio-oil, could be converted into the aromatic hydrocarbon, p-cymene, through a series of intermediates including α-terpineol, terpinolene, and α-terpinene. Various steps such as ring-opening, dehydration, isomerisation, and aromatization were involved in the conversion of eucalyptol. The terpenoids in bio-oil could also be converted into aromatic hydrocarbons that can serve as starting materials for the synthesis of fine chemicals, via the similar processes.

Hydrolysis and glycosidation of sugars during the esterification of fast pyrolysis bio-oil

Acid-catalysed esterification converts organic acids in bio-oil into useful esters. However, the conditions to carry out esterification also promote the hydrolysis of anhydro-sugars in bio-oil. This paper reports the hydrolysis and glycosidation of sugars during the esterification of bio-oil using Amberlyst-70 solid acid catalyst at 70–170°C. The bio-oil was prepared from the fast pyrolysis of mallee biomass in a fluidised-bed reactor. Our results show that sugar oligomers and levoglucosan in bio-oil can be hydrolysed to form d-glucose, which further reacts with methanol to form methyl-α-d-glucopyranoside, concurrently with the esterification of acids (e.g. formic, acetic and propionic acids) in bio-oil. The effects of other important parameters such as catalyst loading and methanol to bio-oil ratio on the hydrolysis-glycosidation of sugar compounds present in bio-oil are also reported.