Facile Preparation of Fe3O4 from Fe2O3 via Reduction of Mixed Vapors Containing Lactic Acid and Water: Catalytic Deoxygenation of Lactic Acid into Propionic Acid

摘要

An efficient and simple method for reduction of Fe2O3 into Fe3 O4 using the mixed vapors including lactic acid-water has been developed. Various characterizations such as XRD, FT-IR, XPS, TG, BET and SEM were used to investigate in the process of Fe2 O3 converted into Fe3O4. An interesting result was found: Fe2O3 is easily reduced into Fe3O4, and it stays in the state of Fe3O4 even if the time for its reduction further lengthened. The as- prepared Fe3O4 was used to catalyze deoxygenation of lactic acid into propionic acid. Reaction temperature, residence time and stability were also discussed. It was found that enhancing reaction temperature favors deoxygenation of lactic acid into propionic acid, and shortening residence time also favors the formation of propionic acid. Especially, it offered an excellent adaptability for fluctuation of lactic acid feed flow rate.