Ketonization of levulinic acid and γ-valerolactone to hydrocarbon fuel precursors

Lilga, Michael A.; Padmaperuma, Asanga B.; Auberry, Deanna L.; Job, Heather M.; Swita, Marie S.

doi:10.1016/j.cattod.2017.06.021

Ketonization of levulinic acid and γ-valerolactone to hydrocarbon fuel precursors

Journal Article · Wed Jun 21 00:00:00 EDT 2017 · Catalysis Today

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cattod.2017.06.021· OSTI ID:1390574

Lilga, Michael A. ^[1]; Padmaperuma, Asanga B. ^[1]; Auberry, Deanna L. ^[1]; Job, Heather M. ^[1]; Swita, Marie S. ^[1]

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.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE; USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Bioenergy Technologies Office (EE-3B)

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, Journal Name: Catalysis Today Vol. 302; ISSN 0920-5861

Publisher:: ElsevierCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
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