Polyols conversion promoted by alternative catalysts under conventional and microwave heating

Abstract

Alternative sources of energy have been used in order to minimize both the emission of greenhouse gases and the economic dependence of non-renewable sources. Biomass, currently the most widely used renewable source in the world, is expected to play a key role in replacing fossil fuels in the medium to long term. Glycerin and polysaccharides can be converted into products of major commercial interest via fermentation processes for the production of alcohols, or catalytically converted into biofuels and industrial chemical inputs. Thus, catalysts based on industrial and/or commercial lignocellulosic byproducts will be prepared, characterized and tested in polyol conversion reactions. Catalysts based on lignin, yeast residues, glycerin and waste cotton fabrics will be prepared. The materials will be characterized by suitable techniques such as nitrogen adsorption, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, elemental analysis, X-ray diffraction and titration of surface functional groups. The catalysts will be used in conversion reactions of glycerol and fructose. The products will be quantified by gas chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography. The results of conversion and selectivity of glycerol and fructose will be related to the physical, chemical and textural properties of the catalysts. The use of microwave radiation for the promotion of reactions in the present work could be an interesting alternative for the substitution of conventional heating. Combined with the use of catalysts from industrial and/or commercial lignocellulosic byproducts, we hope to promote economic viability for the conversion of polyols to products of higher added value through catalytic reactions. (AU)