A comprehensive introduction to the design, synthesis, characterization, and catalytic properties of nanoporous catalysts for the biomass conversion With the specter of peak oil demand looming on the horizon, and mounting concerns over the environmental impact of greenhouse gas emissions, biomass has taken on a prominent role as a sustainable alternative fuel source. One critical aspect of the biomass challenge is the development of novel catalytic materials for effective and controllable biomass conversion. Edited by two scientists recognized internationally for their pioneering work in the field, this book focuses on nanoporous catalysts, the most promising class of catalytic materials for the conversion of biomass into fuel and other products. Although various catalysts have been used in the conversion of biomass-derived feedstocks, nanoporous catalysts exhibit high catalytic activities and/or unique product selectivities due to their large surface area, open nanopores, and highly dispersed active sites. This book covers an array of nanoporous catalysts currently in use for biomass conversion, including resins, metal oxides, carbons, mesoporous silicates, polydivinylbenzene, and zeolites. The authors summarize the design, synthesis, characterization and catalytic properties of these nanoporous catalysts for biomass conversions, discussing the features of these catalysts and considering future opportunities for developing more efficient catalysts. Topics covered include: Resins for biomass conversion Supported metal oxides/sulfides for biomass oxidation and hydrogenation Nanoporous metal oxides Ordered mesoporous silica-based catalysts Sulfonated carbon catalysts Porous polydivinylbenzene Aluminosilicate zeolites for bio-oil upgrading Rice straw Hydrogenation for sugar conversion Lignin depolymerization Timely, authoritative, and comprehensive, Nanoporous Catalysts for Biomass Conversion is a valuable working resource for academic researchers, industrial scientists and graduate students working in the fields of biomass conversion, catalysis, materials science, green and sustainable chemistry, and chemical/process engineering.

A comprehensive introduction to the design, synthesis, characterization, and catalytic properties of nanoporous catalysts for the biomass conversion With the specter of peak oil demand looming on the horizon, and mounting concerns over the environmental impact of greenhouse gas emissions, biomass has taken on a prominent role as a sustainable alternative fuel source. One critical aspect of the biomass challenge is the development of novel catalytic materials for effective and controllable biomass conversion. Edited by two scientists recognized internationally for their pioneering work in the field, this book focuses on nanoporous catalysts, the most promising class of catalytic materials for the conversion of biomass into fuel and other products. Although various catalysts have been used in the conversion of biomass-derived feedstocks, nanoporous catalysts exhibit high catalytic activities and/or unique product selectivities due to their large surface area, open nanopores, and highly dispersed active sites. This book covers an array of nanoporous catalysts currently in use for biomass conversion, including resins, metal oxides, carbons, mesoporous silicates, polydivinylbenzene, and zeolites. The authors summarize the design, synthesis, characterization and catalytic properties of these nanoporous catalysts for biomass conversions, discussing the features of these catalysts and considering future opportunities for developing more efficient catalysts. Topics covered include: Resins for biomass conversion Supported metal oxides/sulfides for biomass oxidation and hydrogenation Nanoporous metal oxides Ordered mesoporous silica-based catalysts Sulfonated carbon catalysts Porous polydivinylbenzene Aluminosilicate zeolites for bio-oil upgrading Rice straw Hydrogenation for sugar conversion Lignin depolymerization Timely, authoritative, and comprehensive, Nanoporous Catalysts for Biomass Conversion is a valuable working resource for academic researchers, industrial scientists and graduate students working in the fields of biomass conversion, catalysis, materials science, green and sustainable chemistry, and chemical/process engineering.

Growing environmental concerns associated with diminishing reserves of fossil fuels has led to accelerated research efforts towards the discovery of new catalytic processes for converting renewable lignocellulosic biomass into value-added chemicals. For this conversion, nanoporous solid acid materials have been widely used because of their excellent hydrothermal stability and molecular sieving capability. In the thesis, hierarchical Lewis acid zeolites with ordered mesoporosity and MFI topology (three dimensionally ordered mesoporous imprinted (3DOm-i) Sn-MFI) were successfully synthesized within the confined space of three dimensionally ordered mesoporous (3DOm) carbon by a seeded growth method. The obtained 3DOm-i Sn-MFI showed at least 3 times higher catalytic activities for the biomass-derived sugar isomerization than conventional Sn-MFI zeolites. This is because the mesopores in the hierarchical zeolites greatly enhance molecular transport. In addition, Lewis acid Sn-MFI combined with Pt metal nanoparticles (Pt/Sn-MFI) could oxidize glycerol to produce lactic acid (LA) under base-free conditions. Glycerol is a by-product in biodiesel synthesis. 80.5% selectivity of LA was achieved at 89.8% conversion of glycerol using a bifunctional Pt/Sn-MFI catalyst under base-free conditions. In the tandem reaction pathway, selective oxidation of glycerol to glyceraldehyde (GLA) and dihydroxyacetone (DHA) by using Pt catalysts was cascaded with Lewis acid catalyzed isomerization of GLA/DHA into LA. Moreover, morphology-tunable Lewis acid Sn-BEA with hydrophobicity was successfully synthesized by recrystallization of post-synthesized Sn-BEA (Sn-BEA-PS) using ammonium fluoride (NH4F) and tetraethylammonium bromide (TEABr). This recrystallization includes simultaneous procedures of dissolution-reassembly: i) the dissolution of Si-O bonds around silanol nests by fluoride ions, and ii) the reassembly of fragmented silica species into defect-free zeolite framework in the presence of TEA ions. The recrystallization also increased open Lewis acid Sn sites. These findings can explain why a 2.5 times higher rate of aqueous glucose isomerization was achieved on recrystallized Sn-BEA (Sn-BEA-RC), compared with Sn-BEA-PS. Moreover, in the isomerization of bulky lactose (C12 sugar) dissolved in MeOH, hierarchical Sn-BEA-RC showed a 3.2-fold higher activity than hydrothermally synthesized Sn-BEA (Sn-BEA-HF), due to the mesopores and enhanced organophobic character of the recrystallized catalyst. In the final part, renewable p-xylene synthesis was investigated. p-Xylene is a major commodity chemical used for the production of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with applications in polyester fibers, films and bottles. Diels-Alder cycloaddition of 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF) and ethylene with subsequent dehydration of the cycloadduct intermediate to produce p-xylene is an attractive reaction pathway for its production from biomass feedstocks. It was shown that phosphorous-containing zeolite BEA (P-BEA) is active, stable and selective for this reaction with an unprecedented p-xylene yield of 97%. It can selectively catalyze the dehydration reaction from the furan-ethylene cycloadduct to p-xylene, without performing side reactions which include alkylation and oligomerization. This acid catalyst establishes a commercially attractive process for renewable p-xylene production.

Nanoporous Materials for Molecule Separation and Conversion cover the topic with sections on nanoporous material synthesis and characterization, nanoporous materials for molecule separation, and nanoporous materials for energy storage and renewable energy. Typical nanoporous materials including carbon, zeolite, silica and metal-organic frameworks and their applications in molecule separation and energy related applications are covered. In addition, the fundamentals of molecule adsorption and molecule transport in nanoporous materials are also included, providing readers with a stronger understanding of the principles and topics covered. This is an important reference for anyone exploring nanoporous materials, including researchers and postgraduate students in materials science and chemical engineering. In addition, it is ideal for industry professionals working on a wide range of applications for nanoporous materials. - Outlines the fundamental principles of nanoporous materials design - Explores the application of nanoporous materials in important areas such as molecule separation and energy storage - Gives real-life examples of how nanoporous materials are used in a variety of industry sector

An essential companion for catalysis researchers and professionals studying economically viable and eco-friendly catalytic strategies for energy conversion In the two-volume Heterogeneous Nanocatalysis for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, a team of distinguished researchers deliver a comprehensive discussion of fundamental concepts in, and practical applications of, heterogeneous nanocatalysis for alternative energy production, biomass conversion, solar energy, green fuels, H2 production, fuel cells, electrochemical energy conversion processes, CO2 conversion, clean water, and environmental protection. The volumes cover the design and catalytic performance of various nanocatalysts, including nanosized metals and metal oxides, supported metal nanoparticles, inverse oxide-metal nanocatalysts, core-shell nanocatalysts, nanoporous zeolites, nanocarbon composites, and metal oxides in confined spaces. Each chapter contains a critical discussion of the opportunities and challenges posed by the use of nanosized catalysts for practical applications. Volume 1 – Energy Applications focuses on the conversion of renewable energy (biomass/solar) into green fuels and chemicals, ammonia synthesis, clean hydrogen production, and electrochemical energy conversion processes using a variety of nanosized catalysts. It also offers: A thorough introduction to heterogeneous catalysis and nanocatalysis, as well as a discussion of catalytic active sites at nano-scale range Comprehensive explorations of the methods for control and activation of nanosized catalysts Practical discussions of C3N4-based nanohybrid catalysts for solar hydrogen production via water splitting Nanosized catalysts in visible light photocatalysis for sustainable organic synthesis Applications of MXenes in electrocatalysis Perfect for researchers, postgraduate students, chemists, and engineers interested in heterogeneous catalysis and nanocatalysis, Heterogeneous Nanocatalysis for Energy and Environmental Sustainability will also earn a place in the libraries of professionals working in alternative energy production, biomass conversion, solar energy, green fuels, H2 production, fuel cells, electrochemical energy conversion processes, CO2 conversion, clean water, and environmental protection.

Volume I mainly focuses on the current understanding of the reaction pathways and mechanisms involved in several important catalytic conversions of cellulose and carbohydrates. It starts with nanoscale illustrations of biomass structures and describes various reactions including cellulose depolymerization to sugars, catalytic aldose-ketose isomerization and dehydration, selective oxidation, hydrogenolysis of cellulose and sugars, and the conversion of short carbohydrates. The specificity and function of different catalysts and reaction media in relation to the catalytic performances for these reactions are discussed with significant mechanistic details. Marcel Schlaf, PhD, is a Professor at the Department of Chemistry, University of Guelph, Canada. Z. Conrad Zhang, PhD, is a Professor at the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China.

A comprehensive reference to the use of innovative catalysts and processes to turn biomass into value-added chemicals Chemical Catalysts for Biomass Upgrading offers detailed descriptions of catalysts and catalytic processes employed in the synthesis of chemicals and fuels from the most abundant and important biomass types. The contributors?noted experts on the topic?focus on the application of catalysts to the pyrolysis of whole biomass and to the upgrading of bio-oils. The authors discuss catalytic approaches to the processing of biomass-derived oxygenates, as exemplified by sugars, via reactions such as reforming, hydrogenation, oxidation, and condensation reactions. Additionally, the book provides an overview of catalysts for lignin valorization via oxidative and reductive methods and considers the conversion of fats and oils to fuels and terminal olefins by means of esterification/transesterification, hydrodeoxygenation, and decarboxylation/decarbonylation processes. The authors also provide an overview of conversion processes based on terpenes and chitin, two emerging feedstocks with a rich chemistry, and summarize some of the emerging trends in the field. This important book: -Provides a comprehensive review of innovative catalysts, catalytic processes, and catalyst design -Offers a guide to one of the most promising ways to find useful alternatives for fossil fuel resources -Includes information on the most abundant and important types of biomass feedstocks -Examines fields such as catalytic cracking, pyrolysis, depolymerization, and many more Written for catalytic chemists, process engineers, environmental chemists, bioengineers, organic chemists, and polymer chemists, Chemical Catalysts for Biomass Upgrading presents deep insights on the most important aspects of biomass upgrading and their various types.

This book provides state-of-the-art reviews, current research, prospects and challenges of the production of biofuels and chemicals such as furanic biofuels, biodiesel, carboxylic acids, polyols and others from lignocellulosic biomass, furfurals, syngas and γ-valerolactone with bifunctional catalysts, including catalytic, and combined biological and chemical catalysis processes. The bifunctionality of catalytic materials is a concept of not only using multifunctional solid materials as activators, but also design of materials in such a way that the catalytic materials have synergistic characteristics that promote a cascade of transformations with performance beyond that of mixed mono-functional catalysts. This book is a reference designed for researchers, academicians and industrialists in the area of catalysis, energy, chemical engineering and biomass conversion. Readers will find the wealth of information contained in chapters both useful and essential, for assessing the production and application of various biofuels and chemicals by chemical catalysis and biological techniques.

The Role of Catalysis for the Sustainable Production of Bio-fuels and Bio-chemicals describes the importance of catalysis for the sustainable production of biofuels and biochemicals, focused primarily on the state-of-the-art catalysts and catalytic processes expected to play a decisive role in the "green" production of fuels and chemicals from biomass. In addition, the book includes general elements regarding the entire chain of biomass production, conversion, environment, economy, and life-cycle assessment. Very few books are available on catalysis in production schemes using biomass or its primary conversion products, such as bio-oil and lignin. This book fills that gap with detailed discussions of: - Catalytic pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass - Hybrid biogasoline by co-processing in FCC units - Fischer-Tropsch synthesis to biofuels (biomass-to-liquid process) - Steam reforming of bio-oils to hydrogen With energy prices rapidly rising, environmental concerns growing, and regulatory apparatus evolving, this book is a resource with tutorial, research, and technological value for chemists, chemical engineers, policymakers, and students. - Includes catalytic reaction mechanism schemes and gives a clear understanding of catalytic processes - Includes flow diagrams of bench-, pilot- and industrial-scale catalytic processing units and demonstrates the various process technologies involved, enabling easy selection of the best process - Incorporates many tables, enabling easy comparison of data based on a critical review of the available literature