Yomaira Pagan-Torres, Paul F. Nealeya, Nelson Cardona-Martinez, James A. Dumesic (DMR #0520527)
We have synthesized supported metal catalysts for which the structured oxide support has been functionalized for specific applications in the production of chemicals from biomass. The role of the functional groups incorporated onto the support is to interact with specific reactants or solvents in the reaction mixture. The example chosen for study is the selective conversion of furan derivatives, obtained by the acid-catalyzed dehydration of monosaccharides, that have been identified as key intermediates for the sustainable production of polymers, specialty chemicals and fuels from renewable resources.
Strategy to produce 2,5 dihydroxymethyltetrahydrofuran (diHMF) from biomass by way of 2,5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) in a biphasic system with a functionalized, supported metal catalyst. Selective catalysis highlights the use of a hydrophobic, supported metal catalyst for the selective hydrogenation of HMF while inhibiting fructose hydrogenation.
