United States. Researchers at the University of New Haven and Yale University have discovered a high-quality catalytic process for the conversion of biomass-like compounds, which can be used to convert biomass into value-added chemicals, such as biofuels, and minimize environmental impact and drive sustainability.
"Some are concerned about having to make sacrifices in quality to be green. But we have discovered a high-quality catalytic process for the conversion of biomass model compounds that is economical and environmentally friendly," said Dequan Xiao, an assistant professor of chemistry and chemical engineering at the University of New Haven.
"We found that metals abundant in catalyst baselands can be highly selective for the conversion of biomass model compounds. And we question the principle of theoretical and computational chemistry to provide information in understanding the phenomenon," Xiao explained.
His work focused on non-food biomass, material derived from green plants and other living organisms, and making biorefinery, which is the process of converting biomass into usable chemicals.
Biomass is considered as a renewable resource that has the potential to meet society's energy and chemical needs, while minimizing environmental impact and increasing sustainability.
"In summary, we have developed a very selective method for hydrogenolysis of benzylketones and aldehydes as a more environmentally friendly alternative to Wolff-Kishner and Clemmensen conditions or catalyzed reductions of noble metals. In addition, our method allows selective reductions of alkenes," the study states.
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