Catalysing Sustainable Fuel and Chemical Synthesis

Abstract

Concerns over the economics of proven fossil fuel reserves, in concert with government and public acceptance of the anthropogenic origin of rising CO 2 emissions and associated climate change from such combustible carbon, are driving academic and commercial research into new sustainable routes to fuel and chemicals.The quest for such sustainable resources to meet the demands of a rapidly rising global population represents one of this century's grand challenges. Here, we discuss catalytic solutions to the clean synthesis of biodiesel, the most readily implemented and low cost, alternative source of transportation fuels, and oxygenated organic molecules for the manufacture of fine and speciality chemicals to meet future societal demands.

Production of gasoline fraction from bio-oil under atmospheric conditions by an integrated catalytic transformation process

“…In contrast, the bio-fuel of Oil-3, mainly containing C 6 þ aromatics with a low content of benzene, has desirable oxidation stability in air. Thus, it could be suitable for use as high-octane blending components of gasoline [2].…”

Hydrodeoxygenation processes: Advances on catalytic transformations of biomass-derived platform chemicals into hydrocarbon fuels

“…The Dumesic group extensively worked on the conversion of GVL to kerosene-and diesel-range hydrocarbons (Serrano-Ruiz and Dumesic, 2011).…”

Mixed alcohols synthesis from syngas over activated palygorskite supported Cu–Fe–Co based catalysts

“…A revolution of questing for renewable resources and energy is in full swing. Lignocellulosic biomass, the most abundant carbohydrate on Earth, can be gasified into synthesis gas (syngas), which is then converted into fuels and a myriad of chemicals by thermochemical catalytic pathway or biochemical fermentation pathway (Serrano-Ruiz and Dumesic, 2011;Zhou et al, 2011). In those technologies, mixed alcohols synthesis (MAS) from syngas is a promising route for production of liquid fuels.…”