Cutting-Edge Catalytic Biomass Conversion in Europe

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2024 | Viewed by 1420

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Dipartimento DICEAM, Università degli Studi Mediterranea di Reggio Calabria, 89123 Reggio Calabria, Italy
Interests: heterogeneous catalysis; lignocellulosic biomasses; wastes valorization; hydrogenolysis; hydrogenation
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Guest Editor
Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, Via Giuseppe Moruzzi 13, 56124 Pisa, Italy
Interests: catalysis for sustainability; MW-assisted chemistry; biocatalysis; enzymatic reactions; fermentation; bioprocesses optimization; catalytic conversion; lignocellulosic biomass; biofuels synthesis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on utilizing biomass as a renewable and sustainable resource for energy and chemical production. Within this context, catalytic processes play a pivotal role in enabling efficient biomass conversion. This special issue aims to offer an insightful exploration into the forefront of biomass conversion technologies within the European context. We invite original research papers and short reviews that explore various aspects of catalytic biomass conversion, including novel catalyst design, reaction mechanisms, process optimization, and applications in biofuel and biochemical production. This special issue aims to serve as a valuable resource for researchers, engineers, and policymakers seeking to harness the potential of biomass as a renewable and environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels. Contributions from researchers and experts in the field will provide valuable insights into the cutting-edge techniques and technologies driving the transition towards a more sustainable bioeconomy in Europe.

Dr. Emilia Paone
Dr. Nicola Di Fidio
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • catalytic biomass conversion
  • biofuel and biochemical production
  • novel catalysts
  • sustainable development
  • cutting-edge technologies
  • green chemistry

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

19 pages, 11989 KiB  
Article
Improved Microwave-Assisted Ethyl Levulinate Production Using Rice Husk-Derived Biobased Mesoporous Silica as Catalyst
by Susana O. Ribeiro, Inês Marques, Aleksandr Bamburov, Aleksey A. Yaremchenko, Andreia F. Peixoto and Andreia Leite
Catalysts 2024, 14(8), 482; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal14080482 - 27 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1102
Abstract
This study presents the synthesis and characterization of mesoporous silica using biobased silica recovered from rice husks (RHs) as an excellent example of the circular economy. Distinct hydrothermal methods were used, namely, the autoclave hydrothermal method and microwave irradiation. Furthermore, the microwave-synthesized SBA-15 [...] Read more.
This study presents the synthesis and characterization of mesoporous silica using biobased silica recovered from rice husks (RHs) as an excellent example of the circular economy. Distinct hydrothermal methods were used, namely, the autoclave hydrothermal method and microwave irradiation. Furthermore, the microwave-synthesized SBA-15 material was subjected to post-functionalization with –SO3H groups using the organosilane 2-(4-chlorosulfonylphenyl)ethyltrimethoxysilane (CSPTMS). The structural and chemical properties of the prepared materials were rigorously characterized through several techniques, thereby confirming the successful preparation of this functionalized material. Subsequently, the functionalized SBA-15 (CSPTMS@SBA-15) was employed as a catalyst in the synthesis of ethyl levulinate (EL) from 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) using different methodologies: typical high-pressure batch reactor, conventional heating, and microwave irradiation. This investigation aimed to elucidate the influence of microwave and non-microwave heating methods on the efficient conversion of 5-HMF into EL. The findings revealed that the microwave reactor exhibited superior conversion rates and selectivity when compared to the non-microwave heating methods. The study also explored the effects of temperature and utilization of various alcohols as both solvents and reagents. The results demonstrated that higher temperatures favored the production of alkyl levulinate and that complete conversion of 5-HMF was attainable for all the alcohols employed. Specifically, for methanol and ethanol a 100% yield of alkyl levulinates was achieved, while for 1-propanol and butanol a reduction in the yield of alkyl levulinates was observed. These outcomes underscore the feasibility of achieving significant yields of various alkyl levulinates through the utilization of CSPTMS@SBA-15 as a catalyst. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cutting-Edge Catalytic Biomass Conversion in Europe)
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