z-logo
Premium
Solvent‐Activated Hafnium‐Containing Zeolites Enable Selective and Continuous Glucose–Fructose Isomerisation
Author(s) -
Botti Luca,
Kondrat Simon A.,
Navar Ricardo,
Padovan Daniele,
MartinezEspin Juan S.,
Meier Sebastian,
Hammond Ceri
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
angewandte chemie international edition
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.831
H-Index - 550
eISSN - 1521-3773
pISSN - 1433-7851
DOI - 10.1002/anie.202006718
Subject(s) - catalysis , isomerization , chemistry , selectivity , zeolite , solvent , fructose , fourier transform infrared spectroscopy , inorganic chemistry , chemisorption , organic chemistry , chemical engineering , engineering
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 studies by X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, chemisorption FTIR, operando UV/Vis and 1 H– 13 C HSQC NMR spectroscopy indicate that activity arises from isolated Hf IV atoms with monofunctional acidic properties.

This content is not available in your region!

Continue researching here.

Having issues? You can contact us here