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Numerical Studies on Cellulose Hydrolysis in Organic-Liquid-Solid Phase Systems with a Liquid Membrane Catalysis
Weitao Sun1,2, Xiangqian Wei1,2, Wenzhi Li1
1Laboratory of Basic Research in Biomass Conversion and Utilization, Department of Thermal Science and Energy Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, PR China.
ACS Omega
|January 24, 2022
Summary
This study models cellulose hydrolysis to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) using a liquid membrane system. Thicker liquid membranes enhance HMF yield by improving synergistic effects between hydrolysis and mass transfer.
Area of Science:
- Biomass Conversion
- Chemical Engineering
- Catalysis
Background:
- Cellulose hydrolysis to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is crucial for biomass valorization.
- Multiphase reaction systems dominate current efficient HMF production.
- Understanding synergistic mechanisms and mass transfer in these complex systems is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and utilize a liquid membrane catalytic model for simulating cellulose hydrolysis and subsequent reactions.
- To investigate the synergistic effects between cellulose hydrolysis and multiphase mass transfer.
- To analyze the influence of liquid membrane thickness on HMF yield.
Main Methods:
- Development of a liquid membrane catalytic model.
- Simulation of cellulose adsorption, consumption, liquid membrane reactions, and HMF transfer.
- Definition and application of an indicator to assess HMF yield sensitivity to liquid membrane thickness.
Main Results:
- The model demonstrated synergistic effects between cellulose hydrolysis and multiphase mass transfer.
- HMF yield sensitivity to liquid membrane thickness varied with glucose conversion.
- Increased initial liquid membrane thickness promoted HMF yield at equivalent glucose conversion levels.
Conclusions:
- The study reveals the intricate interactions between physicochemical processes in cellulose liquid membrane reaction systems.
- Liquid membrane thickness is a critical parameter influencing HMF yield.
- The developed model provides insights into optimizing HMF production from cellulose.
