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Combined Surface Characterization and Computation Study of a LaxZryOz Catalyst for the Catalytic Upgrading of Biomass-derived Compounds into Biofuels and Renewable Chemicals


EMSL Project ID
49253

Abstract

Catalytic upgrading of biomass is a challenging task in part because of the presence of water. Many conventional catalysts were developed for petroleum-based feedstocks. Often these catalysts are unstable in the presence of water. Water can be detrimental to the catalyst by changing the physical structure and integrity of catalysts. Water may also block active sites responsible for upgrading. We have discovered that the addition of lanthanum to a ZrO2 catalyst significantly enhances the catalytic activity for the ketonization of organic acids and improves the stability of the material even in the presence of hydrothermal (condensed aqueous) environments.

With the help of EMSL’s surface characterization capabilities such as HRSTEM, XPS, and APT, this proposed work will develop an understanding of how La modifies the physicochemical properties of the solvent-active catalyst interface. A computational model will be built to identify these key physicochemical properties and will be used as a tool to identify possible new materials with similar properties. In summary, determining the mechanism and physicochemical properties that provide hydrothermal stability to our catalyst system will guide the development of new catalytic materials and new catalyst applications for systems involving hydrothermal environments.

Project Details

Start Date
2016-03-15
End Date
2016-09-30
Status
Closed

Team

Principal Investigator

Karl Albrecht
Institution
Archer Daniels Midland Company

Team Members

Juan Lopez-Ruiz
Institution
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Qiuxia Cai
Institution
Zhejiang University of Technology

Ryan Comes
Institution
Auburn University

Daniel Perea
Institution
Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory

Libor Kovarik
Institution
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Donghai Mei
Institution
Tiangong University

Mark Engelhard
Institution
Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory

Tiffany Kaspar
Institution
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory