Mechanocatalysis For The Realization Of Chemicals From Biomass

The conversion of biomass to value added chemicals is challenging due to significant diffusion barriers and reactivity limitations. We have found that these difficulties can be overcome these by utilizing the mechanical force attainable in attrition devices such as ball mills. This reaction environment is a unique combination of high-pressure and low-temperature allowing us to realize feedstock conversion without the use of solvents. We have identified structural and chemical parameters associated with good mechanocatalysts and found that the most efficient catalysts are based on solid structures with low dimensionality such as sheet silicates like kaolinite. We have demonstrated mechanocatalysis is a viable approach to the realization of glucose and glucose dehydration products such as levoglucosan, 5-hydroxymethyl furfural, and furfural from the hydrolysis and dehydration of cellulose using solid layered acids. We have also observed retro-aldol condensation products such as glyceraldehyde and dihydroxyacetone from glucose using a different catalyst system. Mechanocatalysis is an approach that represents a scalable process that produces less waste and allows multiple products to be realized from a single source, offering a greener route to the realization of value-added chemicals and fuels from biomass