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Catalytic processing of lactic acid over Pt/Nb(2)O(5)
Juan Carlos Serrano-Ruiz1, James A Dumesic
1Chemical and Biological Engineering Department, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 53706, USA.
This study demonstrates catalytic conversion of lactic acid into valuable C4-C7 ketones using a Pt/Nb2O5 catalyst. The bifunctional catalyst promotes C-C coupling and hydrogenation, yielding higher product selectivity compared to Pt/carbon catalysts.
Area of Science:
- Catalysis
- Chemical Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Lactic acid is a bio-derived platform chemical with potential for conversion into valuable products.
- Developing efficient catalytic systems for lactic acid valorization is crucial for sustainable chemistry.
- Understanding reaction pathways and catalyst functions is key to optimizing product yields.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the catalytic conversion of lactic acid into higher-value chemicals.
- To elucidate the role of a bifunctional Pt/Nb2O5 catalyst in this process.
- To compare the performance of Pt/Nb2O5 with a monofunctional Pt/carbon catalyst.
Main Methods:
- Catalytic experiments using dilute and concentrated lactic acid solutions.
- Operated at elevated temperatures (573 K) and pressures (57 bar).
- Analysis of reaction intermediates and products using kinetic studies and gas-phase analysis.
Main Results:
- Pt/Nb2O5 efficiently converts lactic acid into C4-C7 ketones in a separate organic phase.
- Acetaldehyde and propanoic acid are key intermediates, with their subsequent reactions depending on the catalyst support.
- Pt/Nb2O5 promotes C-C coupling (ketonization, aldol condensation), while Pt/carbon favors C-C cleavage and hydrogenation.
Conclusions:
- The bifunctional Pt/Nb2O5 catalyst effectively valorizes lactic acid into ketones.
- Niobia sites promote C-C coupling, while platinum sites catalyze hydrogenation.
- The catalyst design prevents carbon loss as CO, CO2, and methane, enhancing process efficiency.
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