In situ Solid-State NMR Study of Biomass Conversion in Porous Catalysts
EMSL Project ID
48625
Abstract
Biomass represents a renewable and potentially carbon-neutral alternative to fossil fuels for the production of carbon-based chemicals and fuels. Although efficient heterogeneous catalysis is vital for large-scale continuous processing of biomass, mechanisms involving solid catalysts are barely understood compared to homogeneous systems. Since most biomass-derived molecules lack appreciable volatility, solvents are required to promote contact with the active sites of solid catalysts. The distribution of molecular species at solid-liquid interfaces in semi-aqueous reaction media is strongly affected by solvent composition. We will employ MAS solid-state NMR spectroscopy using EMSL rotors capable of withstanding high pressure and temperature to monitor liquid-phase reactions inside porous catalysts (microporous zeolites and mesoporous aluminosilicates). Molecules interacting with the catalyst surface can be differentiated from species in the bulk liquid phase by chemical shift and relaxation time, allowing for the quantification of reactants and products in both solid and liquid phases and hence kinetic studies. NMR identification of reaction intermediates will aid in the investigation of reaction mechanisms. These results will provide both fundamental and quantitative insights about the functioning of porous solid catalysts, and thereby provide valuable information needed for the rational design of robust catalysts for liquid phase processing of biomass.
Project Details
Project type
Exploratory Research
Start Date
2015-01-06
End Date
2015-09-30
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
Team Members