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Conversion of cellulose into aromatic compounds using supported metal catalysts in high-temperature water
Kiyoyuki Yamazaki1, Atsushi Segawa2, Hitoshi Mazaki2
1Research Institute for Chemical Process Technology, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) 4-2-1 Nigatake, Miyagino Sendai 983-8551 Japan a.yamaguchi@aist.go.jp +81-22-237-5224.
Abstract:
Production of aromatic compounds from lignocellulosic biomass has recently been one goal of efforts to establish a sustainable society. We studied cellulose conversion into aromatic compounds over charcoal-supported metal catalysts (Pt/C, Pd/C, Rh/C, and Ru/C) in water at temperatures of 473-673 K. We found that charcoal-supported metal catalysts enhanced conversion of cellulose to aromatic compounds such as benzene, toluene, phenol, and cresol. The total yields of aromatic compounds produced from cellulose decreased in the order: Pt/C > Pd/C > Rh/C > no catalyst > Ru/C. This conversion could proceed even at 523 K. The total yield of aromatic compounds reached 5.8% with Pt/C at 673 K. The charcoal-supported metal catalysts also enhanced conversion of hemicellulose to aromatic compounds.
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