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Synthesis of a Sustainable Cellulose-Derived Biofuel Through a 1-Pot, 2-Catalyst Tandem Reaction

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Abstract

The preparation, characterisation and application of two catalysts active in selective hydrogenation (Pt/TiO2) and esterification (mesoporous SiO2 material modified with tethered sulfonic acid groups) reactions is described. The catalysts are characterised using a range of spectroscopic, microscopic and adsorption techniques. Pt/TiO2 catalysts promote valeric acid (a cellulose derived platform molecule) hydrogenation to pentanol, while –SO3H modified mesoporous SiO2 catalysts convert valeric acid/pentanol mixtures to pentyl valerate (a 10-C molecule which can be used as a diesel fuel substitute). Admixtures of the two catalysts catalyse the tandem conversion of valeric acid/hydrogen mixtures to form pentyl valerate in a single reaction. A rationale for the observed reactivity, selectivity and carbon balance is proposed.

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Acknowledgements

The UCD School of Chemistry provided a studentship and funding for LM.

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  1. UCD School of Chemistry, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland

    Lisa Mullins & James A. Sullivan

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  1. Lisa Mullins
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  2. James A. Sullivan
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Correspondence to James A. Sullivan.

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Mullins, L., Sullivan, J.A. Synthesis of a Sustainable Cellulose-Derived Biofuel Through a 1-Pot, 2-Catalyst Tandem Reaction. Top Catal 63, 1434–1445 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11244-020-01252-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11244-020-01252-9

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