Efficient Hydrodeoxygenation of Lignin-Derived Phenolic Compounds over Bifunctional Catalyst Comprising H4PMo11VO40 Coupled with Ni/C.

In the catalytic transformation of bio-oil into liquid fuels having alkanes via hydrodeoxygenation (HDO), the acid and metal sites in the catalyst are pivotal for promoting the HDO of lignin-derived phenolic compounds. This study introduces a novel bifunctional catalyst comprising phosphomolybdenum-vanadium heteropolyacids (H4PMo11VO40) coupled with Ni/C. The HDO reaction of the model compound guaiacol was carried out under reaction conditions of 230 °C, revealing the superior performance of H4PMo11VO40 with Ni/C catalysts compared to the conventional acids, even at low dosage. The Keggin structure of H4PMo11VO40 provided a solid catalyst with strong acidic and redox properties, alongside advantages such as ease of synthesis, cost-effectiveness, and tunable acid and redox properties at the molecular level. Characterization of Ni/C and the prepared acid demonstrated favorable pore structure with a mesopore volume of 0.281 cm3/g and an average pore size of 3.404 nm, facilitating uniform distribution and catalytic activity of Ni-metal. Incorporating acid enhances the acidic sites, fostering synergistic interactions between metal and acidic sites within the catalyst, thereby significantly enhancing HDO performance. Guaiacol conversion at 230 °C reached 100 %, with a cyclohexane selectivity of 89.3 %. This study offers a promising avenue for the conversion and upgrading of lignin-derived phenolic compounds.

Transforming Pharmaceutical Synthesis with Sein-E-B Nanocomposite Photocatalyst through 1,4-NAD(P)H Cofactor Regeneration and C-N Bond Activation.

The need for sunlight chemical renewal and contemporary organic transformation has fostered the advancement of environmentally friendly photocatalytic techniques. For the first time, we report on the novel crafting of a bright future with selenium-infused Eosin-B (Sein-E-B) nanocomposite photocatalysts in this work. The Sein-E-B nanocomposite materials were created using a hydrothermal process for solar chemical regeneration and organic transformation under visible light. The synthesized samples were subjected to UV-DRS-visible spectroscopy, FT-IR, SEM, EDX, EIS and XRD analysis. The energy band gap of the Sein-E-B nanocomposite photocatalyst was measured using UV-DRS, and the result was around 2.06 eV. to investigate the generated Sein-E-B catalytic activity as a nanocomposite for 1,4-NADH/NADPH re-formation and C-N bond activation. This novel photocatalyst offers a promising alternative for the regeneration of solar chemicals and C-N bond creation between pyrrole and aryl halides.

Methanol Steam Reforming for Hydrogen Production over Ni-Based Catalysts: State-Of-The-Art Review and Future Prospects.

With increasing global emphasis on environmental sustainability, the reliance on traditional energy sources such as coal, natural gas, and oil are encountering significant challenges. H2, known for its high energy content and pollution-free usage, emerges as a promising alternative. However, despite the great potential of H2, approximately 95 % of hydrogen production still depends on non-renewable resources. Hence, the shift towards producing H2 from renewable sources, particularly through methods like steam reforming of methanol - a renewable resource - represents a beacon of hope for advancing sustainable energy practices. This review comprehensively examines recent advancements in efficient H2 production using Ni-based catalysts in methanol steam reforming (MSR) and proposes the future prospects. Firstly, the fundamental principles of MSR technology and the significance in clean energy generation are elucidated. Subsequently, the design, synthesis techniques, and optimization strategies for enhancing the catalytic performance of Ni-based catalysts are discussed. Through the analysis of various catalyst compositions, structural adjustments, surface active sites, and modification methods, the review uncovers effective approaches for boosting the activity and durability of MSR reactions. Moreover, the review investigates the causes of deactivation in Ni-based catalysts during MSR reactions and proposes strategies for extending catalyst lifespan through fine design and optimization of operation parameters. Lastly, this review outlines the current research challenges and anticipates the future trends and potential applications of Ni-based catalysts in MSR hydrogen production. By offering a comprehensive critical analysis, this review serves as a valuable reference to enhance MSR hydrogen production efficiency and catalyst performance.

Cavitation-assisted synthesis and chracterization of a novel catalyst from waste coconut trunk biomass for biodiesel production.

In the current study, a novel heterogeneous catalyst has been prepared from waste coconut trunk biomass using an ultrasound-assisted batch reactor. It is observed from the characterization studies that the raw coconut trunk biomass consists of the maximum amount of silicon dioxide (SiO2) present in it which is further converted to mullite (composition of 3Al2O3.2SiO2) with a composition of 94.18 % (analyzed through Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDAX) studies) is formed through the reaction in an ultrasound reactor processed at a very mild reaction temperature and reaction time 80℃ and 90mins. Synthesis of catalyst at mild process conditions will help to enhance the formation of energy-intensive products at a low cost. It is also observed from the XRD studies of raw feedstock and synthesized catalyst a change in the crystalline structure from hexagonal silicon dioxide to orthorhombic mullite shape. In comparison with the surface area of the raw biomass and mullite, a large amount of surface area âˆ¼ 32 m2/g is observed which is due to the process of reaction in a highly intense ultrasound reactor. A change in the morphological structure of raw feedstock and synthesized catalyst is also observed through scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. The activity of the synthesized catalyst has been analyzed through its application in the production of biodiesel from waste cooking oil is also studied., and a yield of 75 % with a conversion of 74 % is observed at process conditions of 1:3 (oil: ethanol) (volumetric ratio), 3 (wt%) of catalyst concentration and 3hrs of reaction time. A prospective aspect of the implication of the entire work to analyze the life cycle analysis (LCA) is also reported in terms of environmental friendliness and sustainability.