Different biomass conversion strategies for valuable chemical production

Identifier:  TDX:2652

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/TDX2652

Authors:  Gavilà Terrades , Llorenç

Abstract:
As an alternative to chemical production from petrochemical sources, biomass conversion into valuable chemicals is a field in current development. In this field, a broad range of approaches is targeted. In this thesis, three new different strategies for the whole picture of biomass conversion are presented i) producing fermentable sugars (glucose) from: cellulose, pulp produced with switchable ionic liquid, and biomass. The obtained sugars are then tested for microbial fermentation; ii) developing a new integrated strategy to produce a valuable building block (5-acetoxymethylfurfural) from lignocellulose, using cellulose acetate as starting material rather than cellulose and taking benefit of cellulose acetate enhanced solubility; and iii) upgrading a building block such as furfural to an end product like 1,5-pentanedienol by means of cascade reaction using for the first time a non-noble metal catalyst. By means of the described methodology, is produced, respectively, lactic acid (with extended use as bioplastic precursor), 5-acetoxymethylfurfural (a strategic building block with a wide range of potential conversions to valuable chemicals), and 1,5-pentanedienol (an end product with a lot of applications as a resin or bioplastic precursor).