Cascade upgrading of γ-valerolactone to biofuels

Abstract

Cascade upgrading of γ-valerolactone (GVL), produced from renewable cellulosic biomass, with selective conversion to biofuels pentyl valerate (PV) and pentane in one pot using a bifunctional Pd/HY catalyst is described. Excellent catalytic performance (over 99% conversion of GVL, 60.6% yield of PV and 22.9% yield of pentane) was achieved in one step. These biofuels can be targeted for gasoline and jet fuel applications.

Production and catalytic transformation of levulinic acid: A platform for speciality chemicals and fuels

“…LA is a watersoluble acid (pKa¼ 4.59) with a high-boiling point (520 K), that crystallizes at room temperature (R.T.) (melting point 311 K). The main physical properties of LA are shown in Table 1 [8,9]. Being a bifunctional gamma-keto-carboxylic acid [30,31], LA has a rich chemistry as a platform and can be converted into a wide range of derivatives with numerous applications as polymer precursors, pharmaceutical intermediates and fuel additives as shown in Fig.…”

“…The global energy demand for liquid fuels was 85.7 million barrels/day in 2008 and it is estimated to be grown to $ 97.6 million barrels/day by the year 2020 and $ 105 million barrels/day by the year 2030 [2], while the existing energy resources of the crude oil can only support our society for another $ 50 years at the current rate of consumption [3]. Besides, most speciality chemicals and fuels are directly or indirectly produced from the limited fossil resources [4][5][6][7][8]. To develop more sustainable routes for the production of fuels and commodity chemicals, our society has to explore and utilize alternatives such as renewable resources for this purpose.…”

Conversion of levulinic acid into γ-valerolactone using Fe3(CO)12: mimicking a biorefinery setting by exploiting crude liquors from biomass acid hydrolysis

“…One motive is to partially replace petroleum products because of the well-known problems associated with their use. [9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19] In the case of FA, it can be decomposed, rendering it a hydrogen source, according to the equation: 20 For example, in Brazil, sugarcane is processed on a large scale to manufacture ethanol or sugar, generating millions of tons per year of bagasse (lignocellulosic material derived from this type of industrial process).…”

The success of dual‐functional templating for synthesizing hierarchical analcime zeolite

“…From this view, they are desirable materials for adsorption and separation, catalysis of bulky molecules, ion exchange and so on. Therefore, there are more and more researchers working on the synthesis of hierarchical structured zeolites …”

“…Since then, many researchers have used this kind of new gemini surfactant to synthesize a series of hierarchical molecular sieves. The studies showed that after adding a gemini quaternary ammonium salt cationic surfactant, several attractive features like control of pore size, surface areas (especially areas of mesopores) and interconnection of various pore structures could be improved . So far, gemini quaternary ammonium salt surfactants have mainly been used to produce MFI, BEA and MOR zeolites, rather than analcime (ANA) zeolite.…”