Ecut: Energy Conversion and Utilization Technologies Program Biocatalysis Research Activity. Generation of Chemical Intermediates by Catalytic Oxidative Decarboxylation of Dilute Organic Acids

摘要

A rhodium-based catalyst was prepared and preliminary experiments were completed where the catalyst appeared to decarboxylate dilute acids at concentrations of 1 to 10 vol%. Electron spin resonance spectroscoy was used to characterize the catalyst as a first step leading toward modeling and optimization of rhodium catalysts. Also, a hybrid chemical/biological process for the production of hydrocarbons has been assessed. These types of catalysts could greatly increase energy efficiency of this process.