Catalytic technologies for the complete conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into fuels and chemicals

摘要

Biomass is an abundant and renewable carbon source from which fuels and a variety of chemicals can be produced. In recent years, several processes of catalytic conversion of lignocellulosic biomass have been developed, essentially aiming at using forest residues and agricultural wastes as raw materials. In this work, Fenton's chemistry is being used to convert, at first, cellulose and hemicellulose components of lignocellulosic biomass into carboxylic acids and their corresponding ethyl esters. Representative of such carboxylic acids is levulinic acid, an important platform chemical. Highly energetic free radicals generated by the Fenton's reagent are believed to be the principal conversion species. Moreover, these radicals are strong enough to crack further the obtained lignin char, thus yielding other carboxylic (and dicarboxylic) acids and alkyl aromatics. The latter compounds may be used for tailoring the "green" bio-jet fuels. Thus, complete conversion of lignocellulosic biomass can be achieved, showing the way to the sustainable exploitation of such raw materials.