Catalytic Conversion, Adsorption and Kinetic Study of Biomass Into Biofuel

Global population and economic growth is driving a continual increase in the worldwide demand for energy. Closely coupled to this energy demand is the price of petroleum, due largely to the dependence of economic activity on its use. But fossil-fuel use also carries potential environmental consequences, and these concerns motivate us to investigate alternative energy sources.  Biomass is one such source of renewable energy and could play a leading role in building future chemical industries.  Catalytic conversion of biomass into chemicals and fuels is one key process required to realize this scenario. We recognize that design of sustainable processes involving catalytic conversion of biomass is to be achieved by comprehensive work on efficiency and catalytic performance. 

The overall theme of my research is the catalytic conversion of biomass into biofuel and chemicals. We investigate selectivities and activities of certain zeolites as well as ion exchange resins that can efficiently catalyze the reaction. I will discuss a study of the reaction kinetics using zeolite catalysts.  One of the important intermediate chemicals from biomass conversion is 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). I will also present the low-temperature production and separation of HMF from the product mixture of sugars in DMSO for cost effective recovery. I will discuss the types of adsorbents that are appropriate for this separation and the phenomenon of enhanced HMF adsorption in the presence of sugars.