Functionalized Periodic Mesoporous Organosilicas: Tunable Hydrophobic Solid Acids for Biomass Conversion

The catalytic deoxygenation of bio-based feedstocks to fuels and chemicals presents new challenges to the catalytic scientist, with many transformations either performed in or liberating water as a byproduct during reaction. The design of catalysts with tunable hydrophobicity to aid product and reactant adsorption or desorption, respectively, is vital for processes including (trans)esterification and condensation reactions employed in sustainable biodiesel production and bio-oil upgrading processes. Increasing surface hydrophobicity of catalyst materials offers a means to displace water from the catalyst active site, and minimizes potential deactivation or hydrolysis side reactions. Hybrid organic–inorganic porous solids offer exciting opportunities to tune surface polarity and hydrophobicity, as well as critical parameters in controlling adsorption, reactant activation, and product selectivity in liquid and vapor phase catalysis. Here, we review advances in the synthesis and application of sulfonic-acid-functionalized periodic mesoporous organosilicas (PMO) as tunable hydrophobic solid acid catalysts in reactions relevant to biorefining and biofuel production.

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Tuning molecular adsorption in SBA-15-type periodic mesoporous organosilicas by systematic variation of their surface polarity

Chemical Science ◽

10.1039/d0sc00168f ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 (14) ◽

pp. 3702-3712 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Hyunjin Moon ◽

Songi Han ◽

Susannah L. Scott

Keyword(s):

Organic Molecules ◽

Systematic Variation ◽

Molecular Adsorption ◽

Surface Polarity ◽

P Adsorption ◽

Periodic Mesoporous Organosilicas ◽

Adsorption Of Organic Molecules ◽

Mesoporous Organosilicas

Adsorption of organic molecules from solution into mesoporous organosilicas is modulated by the relative polarity of the surface.

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USE OF NORTHERN ECOTYPE SOYBEANS FOR BIOFUEL PRODUCTION

AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING ◽

10.26897/2687-1149-2020-6-22-30 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 22-30

Author(s):

SERGEY N. DEVYANIN ◽

◽

VLADIMIR A. MARKOV ◽

ALEKSANDR G. LEVSHIN ◽

TAMARA P. KOBOZEVA ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Diesel Engine ◽

Soybean Oil ◽

Diesel Fuel ◽

Experimental Studies ◽

Motor Fuel ◽

Biodiesel Production ◽

Biofuel Production ◽

Exhaust Gases ◽

Oil Productivity ◽

Toxic Components

The paper presents the results of long-term research on the oil productivity and chemical composition of soybean oil of the Northern ecotype varieties in the Central Non-Black Earth Region. The authors consider its possible use for biodiesel production. Experiments on growing soybeans were carried out on the experimental fi eld of Russian State Agrarian University –Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy (2008-2019) on recognized ultra-early ripening varieties of the Northern ecotype Mageva, Svetlaya, Okskaya (ripeness group 000). Tests were set and the research results were analyzed using standard approved methods. It has been shown that in conditions of high latitudes (57°N), limited thermal resources of the Non-Chernozem zone of Russia (the sum of active temperatures of the growing season not exceeding 2000°С), the yield and productivity of soybeans depend on the variety and moisture supply. Over the years, the average yield of soybeans amounted to 1.94 … 2.62 t/ha, oil productivity – 388 … 544 kg/ha, oil content – 19…20%, the content of oleic and linoleic fatty acids in oil – 60%, and their output from seeds harvested – 300 kg/ha. It has been established that as soybean oil and diesel fuel have similar properties,they can be mixed by conventional methods in any proportions and form stable blends that can be stored for a long time. Experimental studies on the use of soybean oil for biodiesel production were carried out on a D-245 diesel engine (4 ChN11/12.5). The concentrations of toxic components (CO, CHx, and NOx) in the diesel exhaust gases were determined using the SAE-7532 gas analyzer. The smoke content of the exhaust gases was measured with an MK-3 Hartridge opacimeter. It has been experimentally established that the transfer of a diesel engine from diesel fuel to a blend of 80% diesel fuel and 20% lubrication oil leads to a change in the integral emissions per test cycle: nitrogen oxides in 0.81 times, carbon monoxide in 0.89 times and unburned hydrocarbons in 0.91 times, i.e. when biodiesel as used as a motor fuel in a serial diesel engine, emissions of all gaseous toxic components are reduced. The study has confi rmed the expediency of using soybeans of the Northern ecotype for biofuel production.

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Periodic Mesoporous Organosilicas as Catalysts for Organic Reactions

Current Organic Chemistry ◽

10.2174/1385272819666140424204323 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 18 (10) ◽

pp. 1280-1295 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Dolores Esquivel ◽

Els Canck ◽

Cesar Jimenez-Sanchidrian ◽

Pascal Voort ◽

Francisco Romero-Salguero

Keyword(s):

Organic Reactions ◽

Periodic Mesoporous Organosilicas ◽

Mesoporous Organosilicas

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Conversion of biomass to biofuels and life cycle assessment: a review

Environmental Chemistry Letters ◽

10.1007/s10311-021-01273-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Ahmed I. Osman ◽

Neha Mehta ◽

Ahmed M. Elgarahy ◽

Amer Al-Hinai ◽

Ala’a H. Al-Muhtaseb ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Life Cycle Assessment ◽

Life Cycle ◽

Energy Demand ◽

Fossil Fuels ◽

Biomass Conversion ◽

Biofuel Production ◽

Process Efficiency ◽

Liquid Fuels ◽

Thermochemical Processes ◽

Lower Temperature

AbstractThe global energy demand is projected to rise by almost 28% by 2040 compared to current levels. Biomass is a promising energy source for producing either solid or liquid fuels. Biofuels are alternatives to fossil fuels to reduce anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. Nonetheless, policy decisions for biofuels should be based on evidence that biofuels are produced in a sustainable manner. To this end, life cycle assessment (LCA) provides information on environmental impacts associated with biofuel production chains. Here, we review advances in biomass conversion to biofuels and their environmental impact by life cycle assessment. Processes are gasification, combustion, pyrolysis, enzymatic hydrolysis routes and fermentation. Thermochemical processes are classified into low temperature, below 300 °C, and high temperature, higher than 300 °C, i.e. gasification, combustion and pyrolysis. Pyrolysis is promising because it operates at a relatively lower temperature of up to 500 °C, compared to gasification, which operates at 800–1300 °C. We focus on 1) the drawbacks and advantages of the thermochemical and biochemical conversion routes of biomass into various fuels and the possibility of integrating these routes for better process efficiency; 2) methodological approaches and key findings from 40 LCA studies on biomass to biofuel conversion pathways published from 2019 to 2021; and 3) bibliometric trends and knowledge gaps in biomass conversion into biofuels using thermochemical and biochemical routes. The integration of hydrothermal and biochemical routes is promising for the circular economy.

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Lipase Immobilization in Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Biofuel Production

Catalysts ◽

10.3390/catal11050629 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (5) ◽

pp. 629

Author(s):

Aniello Costantini ◽

Valeria Califano

Keyword(s):

Mesoporous Silica ◽

Silica Nanoparticles ◽

Mechanical Stability ◽

Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles ◽

Physiological Role ◽

Biodiesel Production ◽

Biofuel Production ◽

Hydroxyl Groups ◽

Lipase Immobilization ◽

Wide Range

Lipases are ubiquitous enzymes whose physiological role is the hydrolysis of triacylglycerol into fatty acids. They are the most studied and industrially interesting enzymes, thanks to their versatility to promote a plethora of reactions on a wide range of substrates. In fact, depending on the reaction conditions, they can also catalyze synthesis reactions, such as esterification, acidolysis and transesterification. The latter is particularly important for biodiesel production. Biodiesel can be produced from animal fats or vegetable oils and is considered as a biodegradable, non-toxic and renewable energy source. The use of lipases as industrial catalysts is subordinated to their immobilization on insoluble supports, to allow multiple uses and use in continuous processes, but also to stabilize the enzyme, intrinsically prone to denaturation with consequent loss of activity. Among the materials that can be used for lipase immobilization, mesoporous silica nanoparticles represent a good choice due to the combination of thermal and mechanical stability with controlled textural characteristics. Moreover, the presence of abundant surface hydroxyl groups allows for easy chemical surface functionalization. This latter aspect has the main importance since lipases have a high affinity with hydrophobic supports. The objective of this work is to provide an overview of the recent progress of lipase immobilization in mesoporous silica nanoparticles with a focus on biodiesel production.

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