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Homogenous and Reusable Superacid Polymer Catalyst for the Synthesis of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural from Glucose

Detailed Technology Description

Project ID:  D2018-18 Background Combinations of Brønsted and Lewis acid catalysts are generally used for the production of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) from glucose. However, reutilization of these catalysts is challenging due to their solubility in reaction medium. Heterogeneous catalysts containing both types of acid sites are not usually as active as their homogeneous counterparts due to all active sites not being fully exposed. There is, thus, a need for new and improved catalysts for HMF production.  Invention DescriptionResearchers at the University of Toledo, led by Dr. Ana Alba-Rubio, have developed a soluble and reusable polymer catalyst containing both Brønsted and Lewis acid sites by adding aluminum chloride to soluble poly-(styrenesulfonic acid) (PSSA) via ion exchange in liquid medium.   Applications•       The technology allows for an efficient conversion of glucose to HMF, which is a very important biomass-derived platform chemical useful for the fine chemical industryAdvantages•       This the first reported homogeneous and reusable superacid catalyst. These properties allow for two different simultaneous reactions •       The catalyst enables improved activity and reusability•       Deactivation via coking may be prevented when using this catalyst since there is no surface for the deposition of carbonaceous species•       The catalyst may prevent toxicity and corrosion IP Status:       Patent Pending Publications:        Granados ML et al., Poly(styrenesulphonic) acid: an active and reusable acid catalyst soluble in polar solvents. Green Chemistry, 2011, 3203-3212               Alonso-Fagúndez N et al., Poly-(styrene sulphonic acid): An acid catalyst from polystyrene waste for reactions of interest in biomass valorization. Catalysis Today, 2014, 285-294

*Abstract

*Principal Investigator

Name: Ana Alba-Rubio, Assistant Professor

Department: Chemical Engineering

Name: Maria Coleman, Associate Professor

Department: Chemical and Environmental Engineering

Name: Subhash Kalidindi, Graduate Student

Department: Chemical Engineering

Name: Anup Joshi, Graduate Student

Department: Chemical Engineering

Country/Region

USA