Biomass‐assisted Zeolite Syntheses as a Tool for Designing New Acid Catalysts

Abstract

The aim of this Concept article is to highlight different aspects of using biomass residues or extracted molecules in the synthesis of zeolites (mainly), aluminas and layered doubled hydroxides (LDHs). The strategies presented should serve as a basis for rationally preparing those aforementioned materials for catalytic purposes. Indeed, the presence of sugars, lignin, lignocellulosic biomass usually induces morphological/textural changes as well as (in some cases) modified chemical composition and surface properties.

Lignin-Mediated Preparation of Hierarchical ZSM-5 Catalysts and Their Effects in the Catalytic Co-pyrolysis of Softwood Biomass and Low-Density Polyethylene Mixtures

“…According to previous studies, the abundant hydroxyl groups in lignocellulosic biopolymer are promisingly working as interactive sites with zeolite material. , The noncovalent interaction between phenolates and silicates attracts lignin on the zeolite surface to shield the hydroxide ion attacks in basic media . Additionally, the hydrophobic affinity of silicates for the aromatic structure in lignin can guide the redeposition of aluminosilicate species to fill in the mesopore exterior during dissolution–recrystallization. , Both arguments were plausible during the lignin-mediated reassembly to tailor the small mesopores over a highly microporous surface area. , …”

“…35 Additionally, the hydrophobic affinity of silicates for the aromatic structure in lignin can guide the redeposition of aluminosilicate species to fill in the mesopore exterior during dissolution−recrystal- lization. 14,36 Both arguments were plausible during the ligninmediated reassembly to tailor the small mesopores over a highly microporous surface area. 20,36 Effect of Plastic Blending on Noncatalytic Copyrolysis Using an Analytical Apparatus.…”

Zeolites as Acid/Basic Solid Catalysts: Recent Synthetic Developments

“…In oil refinery, they play a key role, since they result highly active, selective, and durable catalysts, and, as a matter of fact, have replaced mineral acids as the new environmentally friendly solid catalyst. Moreover, it has been proved that these materials would have a key role also for the biomass conversion [12,13]. In fact, zeolites, as solid catalysts, offer In the last thirty years, zeolites, as solid acids, have become extremely successful as catalysts and have been employed for a wide variety of reactions, such as the cracking of carbon-carbon bonds, skeletal isomerizations, polymerization, aromatic alkylation with alkenes or alcohols, and other acid catalyzed reactions [7].…”

“…In oil refinery, they play a key role, since they result highly active, selective, and durable catalysts, and, as a matter of fact, have replaced mineral acids as the new environmentally friendly solid catalyst. Moreover, it has been proved that these materials would have a key role also for the biomass conversion [12,13]. In fact, zeolites, as solid catalysts, offer the advantage of being tunable and recyclable, and are easily separated from reaction mixtures.…”

Biomass-mediated ZSM-5 zeolite synthesis: when self-assembly allows to cross the Si/Al lower limit

“…The use of biomass residues in the preparation of ZSM-5 was already reported and led to morphological and textural property changes, resulting in crystallite size around 50 nm without alterations in SAR values. 29 , 30 , 33 In the present contribution, we have achieved an unprecedentedly Al-rich ZSM-5 while using an alkaline hydrolysate from sugar cane bagasse residues as an additive to classical hydrothermal syntheses.…”