Luyang Li

Bio: Luyang Li is an academic researcher from Nankai University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Ionic liquid & Catalysis. The author has an hindex of 10, co-authored 12 publications receiving 704 citations.

Acid-catalyzed dehydration of fructose into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural by cellulose-derived amorphous carbon.

Abstract: Carbonaceous solid (CS) catalysts with --SO₃H, --COOH, and phenolic --OH groups were prepared by incomplete hydrothermal carbonization of cellulose followed by either sulfonation with H₂SO₄ to give carbonaceous sulfonated solid (CSS) material or by both chemical activation with KOH and sulfonation to give activated carbonaceous sulfonated solid (a-CSS) material. The obtained carbon products (CS, CSS, and a-CSS) were amorphous; the CSS material had a small surface area (<0.5 m² g⁻¹) and a high --SO₃H group concentration (0.953 mmol g⁻¹), whereas the a-CSS material had a large surface area (514 m² g ⁻¹) and a low --SO₃H group concentration (0.172 mmol g⁻¹). The prepared materials were evaluated as catalysts for the dehydration of fructose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) in the ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([BMIM][Cl]). Remarkably high 5-HMF yields (83 %) could be obtained efficiently (80 °C and 10 min reaction time). CSS and a-CSS catalysts had similar catalytic activities and efficiencies for the conversion of fructose to 5-HMF in [BMIM][Cl]; this could be explained by the trade-off between --SO₃H group concentration (high for CSS) and surface area (high for a-CSS). The cellulose-derived catalysts and ionic liquid exhibited constant activity for five successive recycles, and thus, the methods developed provide a renewable strategy for biomass conversion.

Eco-friendly Method for Efficient Conversion of Cellulose into Levulinic Acid in Pure Water with Cellulase-Mimetic Solid Acid Catalyst

Abstract: Microcrystalline cellulose could be effectively converted into levulinic acid in pure water at 180 °C in 12 h without additives in a maximum yield of 51.5% with a cellulase-mimetic solid acid catalyst prepared without the use of sulfuric acid. Ball-milling pretreatment of cellulose improved levulinic acid yields by only a few percent, showing that the cellulose binding sites (−Cl) and catalytic sites (−SO3H) of the catalyst are key to the activity of the catalyst. The spent catalyst could be regenerated with H2O2 solution after recycling for 5 times to maintain more than 95% of its catalytic activity. Glucose used as starting material under the same reaction conditions and with the same cellulase-mimetic solid acid gave a yield of 61.5% levulinic acid. The conversion route for carbohydrates to levulinic acid in pure water with the biomimetic catalyst prepared with a H2SO4-free method provides an environmentally friendly method for producing biobased-platform chemicals from renewable resources.

Adsorption of 1‑Butyl-3-Methylimidazolium Chloride Ionic Liquid by Functional Carbon Microspheres from Hydrothermal Carbonization of Cellulose

Abstract: Functional carbonaceous material (FCM) loaded with carboxylic groups was prepared by hydrothermal carbonization of cellulose in the presence of acrylic acid. The resulting FCM was used as adsorbent for recovery of a water-soluble ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3-methyl-imidazolium chloride ([BMIM][Cl]). The FCM consisted of microspheres (100–150 nm) and had a low surface area (ca. 20 m2/g), but exhibited adsorption capacity comparable to that of commercial activated carbon which can be attributed to the presence of high content of polar oxygenated groups (−OH, −C═O, −COOH) as revealed by spectral analyses. Sorption of [BMIM][Cl] onto FCM adsorbent could be well-described by pseudo-second-order kinetics. Thermodynamic and adsorption isothermal analyses revealed that the adsorption process was spontaneous, exothermic, and could be described by the Freundlich adsorption model. The FCM adsorbent could be regenerated effectively and recycled for at least three times without loss of adsorption capacity. The results of t...

Hydroxymethylfurfural, A Versatile Platform Chemical Made from Renewable Resources

Abstract: Renewable Resources Robert-Jan van Putten,†,‡ Jan C. van der Waal,† Ed de Jong,*,† Carolus B. Rasrendra,‡,⊥ Hero J. Heeres,*,‡ and Johannes G. de Vries* †Avantium Chemicals, Zekeringstraat 29, 1014 BV Amsterdam, the Netherlands ‡Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, the Netherlands Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, the Netherlands DSM Innovative Synthesis BV, P.O. Box 18, 6160 MD Geleen, the Netherlands Department of Chemical Engineering, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Ganesha 10, Bandung 40132, Indonesia

Catalytic Conversion of Carbohydrates to Initial Platform Chemicals: Chemistry and Sustainability

Abstract: The replacement of fossil resources that currently provide more than 90% of our energy needs and feedstocks of the chemical industry in combination with reduced emission of carbon dioxide is one of the most pressing challenges of mankind. Biomass as a globally available resource has been proposed as an alternative feedstock for production of basic building blocks, which could partially or even fully replace the currently utilized fossil-based ones in well-established chemical processes. The destruction of lignocellulosic feed followed by oxygen removal from its cellulose and hemicellulose content by catalytic processes results in the formation of initial platform chemicals (IPCs). However, their sustainable production strongly depends on the availability of resources, their efficient or even industrially viable conversion processes, and replenishment time of feedstocks. Herein, we overview recent advances and developments in catalytic transformations of the carbohydrate content of lignocellulosic biomass ...

Catalytic Transformation of Lignocellulose into Chemicals and Fuel Products in Ionic Liquids

Abstract: Innovative valorization of naturally abundant and renewable lignocellulosic biomass is of great importance in the pursuit of a sustainable future and biobased economy. Ionic liquids (ILs) as an important kind of green solvents and functional fluids have attracted significant attention for the catalytic transformation of lignocellulosic feedstocks into a diverse range of products. Taking advantage of some unique properties of ILs with different functions, the catalytic transformation processes can be carried out more efficiently and potentially with lower environmental impacts. Also, a new product portfolio may be derived from catalytic systems with ILs as media. This review focuses on the catalytic chemical conversion of lignocellulose and its primary ingredients (i.e., cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin) into value-added chemicals and fuel products using ILs as the reaction media. An outlook is provided at the end of this review to highlight the challenges and opportunities associated with this interes...