Sonochemical synthesis of HSiW/graphene catalysts for enhanced biomass hydrolysis. Issue 4 (9th February 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Klein, Miri; Varvak, Alexander; Segal, Elad; Markovsky, Boris; Pulidindi, Indra Neel; Perkas, Nina; Gedanken, Aharon
• Is Part Of: Green chemistry. Volume 17:Issue 4(2015)
• Page Start: 2418
• Page End: 2425
• Publication Date: 2015-02-09
• Subjects: Environmental chemistry -- Industrial applications -- Periodicals; Environmental management -- Periodicals; 660
• DOI: 10.1039/c4gc02519a
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1463-9262

Abstract

Abstract : A graphene supported silicotungstic acid catalyst was synthesized sonochemically. Glucose yield was dramatically increased by reusable HSiW/G in biomass hydrolysis. Abstract : Hydrolysis of biomass for the production of glucose was studied. Silicotungstic acid (HSiW) was deposited on graphene by an ultrasound-assisted procedure. The catalyst (HSiW/G) was characterized using a variety of physico-chemical methods. Homogeneous distribution of HSiW on the surface of graphene was demonstrated. The hydrolysis of glycogen was performed with a HSiW/G catalyst by hydrothermal treatment. The yield of glucose (66 wt%) obtained was about 8 times higher than that obtained with the same amount of bare HSiW. Stability of the HSiW/graphene even after 3 repeated uses was confirmed. The mechanism of the enhancement of catalytic activity was discussed in terms of a special interaction between the graphene support and HSiW and also the appearance of hydrophobic cavities on the surface of graphene. The formation of these cavities facilitates the anchoring of glycogen to the catalyst surface and promotes the attack of protons that leads to selective, rapid, and efficient hydrolysis.