Valorization of Biomass Derivatives to Monomers by M-MOx Catalytic Hydrogenation & Hydrodeoxygenation

Authors

• William Steere, University of New Hampshire, DurhamFollow
• Samir Castilla-Acevedo, University of KansasFollow
• Ben Auer, University of KansasFollow
• John Styers, University of KansasFollow
• Alan Allgeier, University of KansasFollow

Date Completed

Summer 2025

Abstract

With increasing concern regarding global warming contributions by fossil fuels in petrochemical production, the potential use of biomass-derived molecules to serve as a more eco-friendly feedstock has grown in popularity. Specifically, sebacic acid, a versatile chemical used to produce nylons, plasticizers, and lubricants, has the potential to be obtained from bio-renewable feedstocks and alleviate environmental drawbacks from fossil fuel petrochemical production. Our research validates the catalytic conversion of the biomass-derived 2,2’-bifuran 5,5’-dicarboxylate (BFDCM) to sebacic acid (SA), through M-MO_x catalyzed hydrogenation and hydrodeoxygenation. Catalytic activity tests were conducted for four different Pd-supported catalysts (C, Al₂O₃, SiO₂, and TiO₂) to understand the role of temperature in the ring hydrogenation of BFDCM. Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) was used for identification and quantification of products. CO-Pulse chemisorption was employed to examine Pd dispersion on the support surface. Commercial 5% wt Pd/Al₂O₃ reacted at 60°C and 3 MPa H₂ as initial pressure for 2 hours outperformed others with hydrogenation conversion and selectivity greater than 95% along with maintaining product purity above 98%. Notably, reactions with Pd/Al₂O₃, Pd/C, and Pd/TiO₂ at high hydrogenation reaction temperatures (≥100°C) experienced wider product distributions. These novel catalytic processes provide direction for establishing an environmentally friendly circular economy within the chemical and agricultural industries while incentivizing developments in green petrochemical syntheses.

Document Type

Presentation

First Advisor

Alan Allgeier

College or School

CEPS

Department or Program

Department of Chemical and Bioengineering

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Recommended Citation

Steere, William; Castilla-Acevedo, Samir; Auer, Ben; Styers, John; and Allgeier, Alan, "Valorization of Biomass Derivatives to Monomers by M-MOx Catalytic Hydrogenation & Hydrodeoxygenation" (2025). UNH URC Open (2026 and after). 3.
https://scholars.unh.edu/urc_open/3