Fly ash based Ni catalyst for conversion of sorbitol into glycols. Issue 3 (September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vijaya Shanthi, R.; Sankaranarayanan, T.M.; Mahalakshmy, R.; Sivasanker, S.
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental chemical engineering. Volume 3:Issue 3(2015:Sep.)
• Page Start: 1752
• Page End: 1757
• Publication Date: 2015-09
• Subjects: Fly ash -- Ni -- Fly sah -- Sorbitol -- Hydrogenolysis -- Propanediol -- Glycols; Chemical engineering -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Environmental engineering -- Periodicals; Chemical engineering -- Environmental aspects; Environmental engineering; Periodicals; 660.0286
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2015.06.024
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2213-2929

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Sorbitol derived from renewable bio-mass can be converted into valuable oxygenates, like glycerol, propane and ethane diols using Ni supported on fly ash, a cheap industrial waste. Highlights: Fly ash supported Ni is active in hydrogenolysis of sorbitol. Ni loading of 6 wt% is sufficient for good conversion and product yields. Ca(OH)2 helps in prolonging catalyst activity. FA is a stable support for use in aqueous medium. Ni/FA is reusable for at least four times. Abstract: Hydrogenolysis of sorbitol into glycols and alcohols has been carried out in an aqueous medium using Ni (3, 6 and 10 wt%) supported on fly ash, an 'industrial waste'. The reaction was carried out in an aqueous medium using a 15 wt% solution (40 g) of sorbitol and 0.2 g of the reduced catalyst in a stirred high pressure reactor at different temperatures and pressures in H2 . The major products of the reaction at 60 bars and 200 °C were 1, 2-propanediol, glycerol and ethylene glycol. Adding Ca(OH)2 (0.2 g) to the reaction medium increased sorbitol conversion and selectivity for propanediol, and also appeared to prolong catalyst activity. Conversion increased with increasing amounts of Ni (3–10%), the increase in conversion being not so significant beyond 6% Ni. The 6% Ni catalyst was investigated in greater detail at different temperatures (160–220 °C) and pressures (40–80 bars). Ni(6%)/fly ash was reusable many times with only a minor activity loss.