Solvent-Activated Hafnium-Containing Zeolites Enable Selective and Continuous Glucose-Fructose Isomerisation.

ABSTRACT: The isomerisation of glucose to fructose is a critical step towards manufacturing petroleum-free chemicals from lignocellulosic biomass. Herein we show that Hf-containing zeolites are unique catalysts for this reaction, enabling true thermodynamic equilibrium to be achieved in a single step during intensified continuous operation, which no chemical or biological catalyst has yet been able to achieve. Unprecedented single-pass yields of 58 % are observed at a fructose selectivity of 94 %, and continuous operation for over 100 hours is demonstrated. The unexpected performance of the catalyst is realised following a period of activation within the reactor, during which time interaction with the solvent generates a state of activity that is absent in the synthesised catalyst. Mechanistic studi

SUBMITTER: Botti L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7818259 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature