Selective catalytic conversion of biomass-derived furanic compounds – Design of solid catalysts and structure-performance relations
The ongoing depletion of nonrenewable carbon-based fossil fuels and emergent environmental issues make sustainable production of biofuels and chemicals from alternative and renewable carbon-based resources highly important. Lignocellulosic biomass, formed directly by photosynthesis in plants (consumption of CO2), is the most available and abundant renewable carbon-based resource. Especially, the carbohydrate fraction contained in lignocellulosic biomass (usually up to 75 wt.%) can be transformed into key platform compounds, which can be applied in the chemical industry and thus contribute to realize a future carbon-neutral society.
This thesis focuses on efficient and selective valorization of the biomass-derived platform compound furfural with heterogeneous catalysis, and demonstrates how reaction systems can be developed to obtain more sustainable chemistry. Solid aluminum phosphates (APO-5s) with suitable pore sizes and specific adsorption of the C=O moiety of furfural as well as KIT-6-templated mesoporous CuNiOx were developed as catalysts to efficiently valorize furfural into various useful chemicals recognized as potential biofuels or components for furan resins. Importantly, the catalysts also showed general applicability in the conversion of other furanic carbonyl compounds and good reusability. Overall, the thesis provides a solid foundation for future sustainable development and green chemistry with biomass-derived resources.
Principal Supervisor:
Professor Anders Riisager, DTU Chemistry
Co-supervisor:
Associate Professor Sebastian Meier, DTU Chemistry
Examiners:
Associate Professor Susanne Mossin, DTU Chemistry
Professor Rafael Luque, Universidad de Cordoba, Spain
R&D Manager Søren Birk Rasmussen, Haldor Topsøe A/S
Chairperson:
Senior Researcher Kaibo Zheng, DTU Chemistry