Advances in Catalytic Conversion of Biomass

A special issue of Catalysts (ISSN 2073-4344). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomass Catalysis".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2024) | Viewed by 3409

Special Issue Editors

Institute of Agricultural Information, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Tianjin, China
Interests: biomass conversion; heterogeneous catalysis; ionic liquids; biofuel; biochemical; green chemical

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Guest Editor
Institute of Agricultural Information, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Tianjin, China
Interests: biomass conversion; heterogeneous catalysis; ionic liquids; biofuel; biochemical

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Guest Editor
School of Resources and Environment, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
Interests: high-value utilization of biomass

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Guest Editor
Beijing Institute of Petrochemical Technology, Beijing 102617, China
Interests: catalytic oxidation; ethanol catalytic reforming for hydrogen production; biomass conversion

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

With the aggravation of global environmental problems and the shortage of fossil resources, various homogenous/heterogenous catalytic processes have been developed for the conversion of biomass into biofuels or biochemicals via hydrolysis, isomerization, dehydration, oxidation, hydrogenation, etherification, and so on. Heterogeneous catalysts have gained prominence in this field due to their recyclability and product separation compared to homogeneous catalysts and biocatalysts. But there are still challenges to overcome in terms of catalytic performance, reaction conditions, and cost-effectiveness. To address these issues, researchers have turned to innovative approaches such as photocatalysis and electrocatalysis, which are regarded as environmentally friendly methods for biomass conversion. This Special Issue aims to highlight recent advances in these areas that can help spur further research and development, ultimately leading to more efficient and sustainable biomass conversion technologies.

Dr. Haixin Guo
Dr. Feng Shen
Dr. Xiaoning Liu
Dr. Yafei Wang
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • renewable resources
  • biomass conversion
  • biofuels and biochemicals
  • catalytic routes
  • sustainable catalysis
  • homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis
  • photocatalyst
  • electrocatalyst

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

20 pages, 8199 KiB  
Article
MXene/SrTiO3 Heterostructure for FAME Synthesis from the Non-Edible Feedstock Oil Silybum marianum
by Sadaf Khoso, Muhammad Saeed, Muhammad Saleem, Mushtaq Ahmad, Aiyeshah Alhodaib and Amir Waseem
Catalysts 2024, 14(12), 948; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal14120948 - 21 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 697
Abstract
This study presents the production of FAMEs from non-edible Silybum marianum oil using a catalyst consisting of an MXene/SrTiO3 composite. The primary aim of this study was to reduce our reliance on petroleum-based fuels by harnessing non-edible oil sources. The catalyst, once [...] Read more.
This study presents the production of FAMEs from non-edible Silybum marianum oil using a catalyst consisting of an MXene/SrTiO3 composite. The primary aim of this study was to reduce our reliance on petroleum-based fuels by harnessing non-edible oil sources. The catalyst, once prepared, achieved an impressive conversion rate of 98.8%. The optimal parameters for this catalytic conversion included a 7 wt% catalyst concentration, a 1:12 molar ratio of oil to methanol, a 100 min reaction time, and a reaction temperature of 60 °C. These parameters ensured the successful completion of the FAME conversion process. The physicochemical properties of Silybum marianum oil confirmed its suitability as a biodiesel source on an industrial scale. The verification of the synthesized MXene/SrTiO3 catalyst was conducted via XRD, SEM, EDX, and BET, and synthesized biodiesel was confirmed via 1H and 13C-NMR, FTIR, and GC-MS. These results indicate that the catalyst described in this study exhibits significant potential for cost-effective biodiesel production under the appropriate reaction conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Catalytic Conversion of Biomass)
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18 pages, 5181 KiB  
Article
Knoevenagel Condensation Catalyzed by Biogenic Carbonates for the Solvent-Free Synthesis of 3-(Furan-2-yl)acrylonitrile Derivatives
by Eliana Yasmín Mesa Castro, Andrés Felipe Monroy Ramírez, José Jobanny Martínez, Juan-Carlos Castillo and Gerardo Andrés Caicedo Pineda
Catalysts 2024, 14(12), 927; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal14120927 - 16 Dec 2024
Viewed by 760
Abstract
Calcium and barium carbonates were synthesized via biologically induced mineralization using Bacillus subtilis. The biogenic materials were characterized by using infrared and Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and powder X-ray diffraction. These biogenic carbonates were then tested as basic [...] Read more.
Calcium and barium carbonates were synthesized via biologically induced mineralization using Bacillus subtilis. The biogenic materials were characterized by using infrared and Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and powder X-ray diffraction. These biogenic carbonates were then tested as basic heterogenous catalysts for the solvent-free Knoevenagel reaction between 5-HMF derivatives and active methylene compounds, producing 3-(furan-2-yl)acrylonitrile derivatives in 71–87% yields. Optimal catalytic performance was achieved with a 50:50 Ca:Ba ratio, attributed to the synergistic interaction between baritocalcite and vaterite, which enhances the availability of active basic sites and surface interactions. This method offers operational simplicity, reduced reaction times, good yields, excellent (E)-selectivity, and minimal catalyst loading. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Catalytic Conversion of Biomass)
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16 pages, 4027 KiB  
Article
Walnut Shell Biomass Triggered Formation of Fe3C-Biochar Composite for Removal of Diclofenac by Activating Percarbonate
by Na Zhang, Yudong Huo, Chun Pei, Ying Zhang, Lijie Xu and Lu Gan
Catalysts 2024, 14(10), 687; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal14100687 - 3 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1415
Abstract
Percarbonate (SPC) as a promising substitute for liquid H2O2 has many advantages in the application of in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO). Developing efficient, cost effective and environmentally friendly catalysts for SPC activation plays the key role in promoting the development [...] Read more.
Percarbonate (SPC) as a promising substitute for liquid H2O2 has many advantages in the application of in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO). Developing efficient, cost effective and environmentally friendly catalysts for SPC activation plays the key role in promoting the development of SPC-based ISCO. Herein, the walnut shell biomass was combined with ferric nitrate for the catalytic synthesis of Fe3C@biochar composite (Fe3C@WSB), which demonstrated high efficiency in activating SPC for the removal of diclofenac (DCF). The Fe3C showed average crystallite size of 32.6 nm and the composite Fe3C@WSB demonstrated strong adsorptivity. The prepared Fe3C@WSB could activate both SPC and H2O2 with high efficiency at ca. pH 3 with extremely low leaching of iron, while in a weak acidic condition, higher efficiency of DCF removal was obtained in the Fe3C@WSB/SPC process than in the Fe3C@WSB/H2O2 process. Moreover, the Fe3C@WSB/SPC and Fe3C@WSB/H2O2 processes did not show significant differences when supplied with varying amounts of catalyst or oxidant, but the Fe3C@WSB/SPC process exhibited stronger capability in dealing with relatively highly concentrated DCF solution. Based on quenching experiments and electron spin resonance (ESR) analysis, heterogeneous activation of SPC was assumed as the dominant route for DCF degradation, and both the oxidation by radicals, including •OH, •O2 and CO3•−, combined with electron transfer pathway contributed to DCF degradation in the Fe3C@WSB/SPC process. The cycling experiment results also revealed the stability of Fe3C@WSB. This work may cast some light on the development of efficient catalysts for the activation of SPC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Catalytic Conversion of Biomass)
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