Ketonization of levulinic acid and γ-valerolactone to hydrocarbon fuel precursors
- Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
We studied a new process for direct conversion of either levulinic acid (LA) or γ-valerolactone (GVL) to hydrocarbon fuel precursors. The process involves passing an aqueous solution of LA or GVL containing a reducing agent, such as ethylene glycol or formic acid, over a ketonization catalyst at 380–400 °C and atmospheric pressure to form a biphasic liquid product. The organic phase is significantly oligomerized and deoxygenated and comprises a complex mixture of open-chain alkanes and olefins, aromatics, and low concentrations of ketones, alcohols, ethers, and carboxylates or lactones. Carbon content in the aqueous phase decreases with decreasing feed rate; the aqueous phase can be reprocessed through the same catalyst to form additional organic oils to improve carbon yield. Catalysts are readily regenerated to restore initial activity. Furthermore, the process might be valuable in converting cellulosics to biorenewable gasoline, jet, and diesel fuels as a means to decrease petroleum use and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.
- Research Organization:
- Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Sustainable Transportation Office. Bioenergy Technologies Office
- Grant/Contract Number:
- AC05-76RL01830
- OSTI ID:
- 1390574
- Alternate ID(s):
- OSTI ID: 1495817
- Report Number(s):
- PNNL-SA-127729; PII: S0920586117304637
- Journal Information:
- Catalysis Today, Vol. 302; ISSN 0920-5861
- Publisher:
- ElsevierCopyright Statement
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Web of Science
Cascade Strategy for the Tunable Catalytic Valorization of Levulinic Acid and γ-Valerolactone to 2-Methyltetrahydrofuran and Alcohols
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journal | July 2018 |
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