Search

Efficient low‐temperature hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of lignin derivatives to produce biofuels and high value‐added chemicals is still of challenge. Here, we have constructed a high active and stable 0.2 wt.% Pd/MS‐HZSM‐5(30) catalyst, and 94.7 % yield of 2‐methoxy‐4‐methylphenol (MMP) can be achieved in HDO of vanillin (VAN, a typical platform molecule of lignin derivatives) under milder reaction conditions (60 °C, 5 h, molar ratio of VAN/Pd=1200, water phase), outperforming the most works reported recently. Detailed experimental and mechanistic studies demonstrated that the superior catalytic performance was due to the rapid hydrogenolysis of generated intermediate (vanillyl alcohol, VAL) to MMP proceeded in an interfacial microenvironmental created by Pd NPs and acidic sites in Pd/MS‐HZSM‐5(30). These new insights will provide potential guidance for the efficient low‐temperature production of biofuels and valuable chemicals from lignin derivatives or raw lignin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of Zr-based catalysts were prepared using various commercial and cheap organic acids as the coordination agents, and these as-synthesized samples exhibited superior activities to produce lactic acid (LaA) from carbohydrates. Using humic acid (HA) as a typical coordination agent, LaA yield was up to 76% over the resultant Zr-HA, outperforming the most recent reported works. Deeper studies revealed that Zr-HA possessed both acid sites and base sites, and these dual active sites can simultaneously activate xylose, resulting in high yield production of LaA. Besides, Zr-HA also showed excellent reusability and can be reused at least five times. [Display omitted] • A novel Zr-HA catalyst is facilely constructed via a solvothermal method. • Zr-HA has both acid sites and base sites. • Dual sites enhance the conversion of xylose and intermediates to lactic acid. • HA in Zr-HA can be replaced by other commercial cheap organic acids. • Zr-HA also shows an excellent reusability and substrate-generality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel catalyst prepared by a facile 'one-pot' solvothermal method was developed for the efficient production of lower polyols from glucose solution. Under the optimal reaction conditions, the yield of diols was up to 50.7%, outperforming the recent works reported in the literature (<48%). Deeper investigation results revealed that the modification of MgO y on Pt-WO x could tune the surface acid-base properties, thereby promoting the yield of lower polyols. Combining the experimental and characterization results, a possible reaction mechanism during the conversion of glucose to lower polyols over Pt-WO x -MgO y was proposed. [Display omitted] • Pt-WO x -MgO y catalysts are facilely prepared via a 'one-pot' solvothermal method. • Pt-WO x -MgO y shows excellent performances in the conversion of glucose to diols. • The presence of MgO y can 'in situ' tune the acid-base properties of Pt-WO x -MgO y. • Higher amount of both acid sites and base sites enhances the production of diols. • Pt-WO x -MgO y also shows an excellent reusability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is highly desirable but of challenge to develop an efficient process for lactic acid (LaA) production from xylose performed in water. Herein, a novel catalyst prepared via a facile solvent-free coordination route is developed to efficiently produce LaA from xylose in water. The structural properties of the prepared catalyst and the reaction conditions are systematically investigated. The production rate of LaA at 190 °C in water is up to 1.8 h−1, outperforming the most recent reports (below 1.1 h−1). Detailed experimental and characteristic studies reveal that the presence of Lewis acidic sites and basic sites in the catalyst structure can not only lower the energy barrier of xylose conversion but also boost the efficient conversion of the active reaction intermediates into LaA. The findings of this work will provide a new approach for the efficient production of LaA from carbohydrates. [Display omitted] • Zirconium-carbon coordination catalysts are prepared via a solvent-free method. • Zr-BC shows excellent activity in the conversion of xylose to LaA. • Production of LaA proceeds over both Lewis acidic sites and base sites on Zr-BC. • The substrate for LaA production can be extended to other carbohydrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]