Process intensification via catalytic one-pot conversion of hemicelluloses to sugar alcohols

Viac o knihe

The increasing reliance on plant biomass for energy and green processes necessitates a deeper understanding of the fundamental reaction mechanisms involved in various conversion steps. This research addresses the conversion of hemicelluloses, which are often overlooked compared to cellulose and lignin, despite comprising up to 35% of biomass content. Hemicelluloses, derived from non-food plant sources like wood and grass, present a valuable feedstock. The target products of this study are sugar alcohols, including xylitol (E 967), a sugar substitute known for its anti-cariogenic properties. The production process typically involves two steps: first, the cleavage of cellulose or hemicelluloses into monomeric sugars, followed by catalytic hydrogenation to produce sugar alcohols. This research aims to intensify the process by integrating these two steps into a single 'one pot' system. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the reaction network involved in converting hemicelluloses to sugar alcohols and provide recommendations for optimizing the 'one pot' process. The study encompasses hydrolysis, hydrolytic hydrogenation, transfer-hydrogenation, kinetic modeling, and an innovative combination of bio- and chemo-catalysis.