Zeolite-Phosphomolybdic Acid Hybrid Catalyst for HMF Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for producing hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF) from cellulose are not economically viable and environmentally friendly, as they rely on expensive ionic liquids and catalysts, and face challenges in cellulose dissolution and HMF separation.

Innovation Solution

A green process using a choline chloride-citric acid-citric acid monohydrate eutectic solvent system and a zeolite-phosphomolybdic acid hybrid catalyst for the conversion of cellulose from aromatic spent biomass to HMF, with a two-step catalyst treatment and solvent extraction to achieve high yields and purity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If expensive ionic liquids and catalysts are used for HMF production from cellulose, then conversion efficiency is improved, but production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconversion efficiencyVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive ionic liquids with a cheap eutectic solvent system composed of choline chloride, citric acid, and citric acid monohydrate. This solvent system effectively dissolves cellulose and facilitates HMF production without the high costs associated with traditional ionic liquids, directly addressing the contradiction between conversion efficiency and production cost

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the solvent system by using a eutectic mixture of choline chloride, citric acid, and citric acid monohydrate instead of conventional ionic liquids. This parameter change maintains effective cellulose dissolution and HMF conversion while significantly reducing material costs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If conventional catalysts are used for cellulose conversion, then HMF yield is improved, but environmental impact worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveHMF yieldVSAvoidenvironmental impact
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite hybrid catalyst system combining zeolite and phosphomolybdic acid. This composite catalyst achieves high HMF yield while being more environmentally friendly than conventional catalysts, as it can be recovered and reused, reducing harmful chemical waste in the production process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements catalyst recovery and reuse mechanisms. The hybrid zeolite-phosphomolybdic acid catalyst can be separated from the reaction mixture and reused for multiple cycles, reducing environmental impact by minimizing catalyst waste while maintaining high HMF yield

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Ease of operation

If traditional solvent systems are used, then cellulose dissolution is achieved, but HMF separation becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecellulose dissolutionVSAvoidHMF separation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the eutectic solvent system as an intermediary that facilitates both cellulose dissolution and subsequent HMF separation. The specific composition of choline chloride, citric acid, and citric acid monohydrate creates a reaction medium where cellulose dissolves effectively but HMF can be selectively extracted, simplifying the separation process compared to traditional solvent systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This process provides a cost-effective, environmentally friendly method for producing HMF with high yields and purity, utilizing recyclable catalysts and solvents, suitable for large-scale production and commercial adaptation.

Implementation Method 1

A green process using a choline chloride-citric acid-citric acid monohydrate eutectic solvent system for the conversion of cellulose from aromatic spent biomass to HMF

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEutectic solvent system:

Implementation Method 2

a zeolite-phosphomolybdic acid hybrid catalyst for the conversion of cellulose from aromatic spent biomass to HMF

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 3

with liquid solvent selected from the group consisting of ethyl acetate and methyl isobutyl ketone to obtain a liquid solvent extract

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolvent extraction: Liquid-Liquid Extraction

Data Source

PatentUS9199956B2Process for chemical conversion of cellulose isolated from aromatic spent biomass to hydroxymethyl furfural
Publication Date: 2015.12.01 COUNCIL OF SCI & IND RES
  • US9199956B2 patent drawing
  • US9199956B2 patent drawing
  • US9199956B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a process for chemical conversion of cellulose isolated from aromatic spent biomass to hydroxymethyl furfural using an eco-friendly and economical liquids system with recoverable and reusable solid Indion catalysts and zeolite-phosphomolybdic acid hybrid catalysts. The present invention further relates to the preparation of an effective hybrid catalyst i.e. zeolite-phosphomolybdic acid catalyst for synthesis of HMF. The selectivity and yield of HMF is nearly doubled in zeolite-phosphomolybdic acid hybrid catalyst compared to the individual catalysts (zeolite or phosphomolybdic acid) or combination of catalysts viz. zeolite and phosphomolybdic acid.