Low Temperature Thermoconversion of Biomass to Useful Chemicals by Lewis Acid Catalysts. Phase I

摘要

The goal of this study was to convert biomass into useful organic chemicals at reasonable cost. Lewis acids such as aluminum chloride (AlCl3) were used for thermoconversion of lignocellulosic materials (biomass) into useful organic materials. Temperatures used in the process were lower than those heretofore reported. A renewable domestic resource such as biomass provides an alternative source of industrially important organic materials. Use of a temperature range between those of liquefaction and biological fermentation insures product selectivity at reasonable reaction rates. Rice hulls and AlCl3 were heated in an argon filled reactor from ambient to 175C. Reaction products collected from 120C to 175C consisted of CO, CO2, acetone, methylisobutyl ketone, and three unidentified carbohydrates. Intimate contact between the solid AlCl3 acts as a reactant rather than as a catalyst. The hemicellulose portion of the rice hulls proved to be the source of these compounds. Lignin and cellulose failed to produce volatile products at 175C. In addition, AlCl3 was consumed during the hydrolysis procedure.