Catalytic Conversion of Macro-algae derived polymers to Valuable Chemicals
발표자
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초록
내용
Alginic acid, a major constituent of macroalgae, was hydrogenated into sugar alcohols over carbon-supported noble metals. Mannitol and sorbitol were mainly produced via the catalytic hydrogenation of alginic acid, which consists of two epimeric uronic acids. The main reaction pathway is the consecutive hydrogenation of aldehyde- and carboxyl-end of alginic acid dimers followed by the cleavage of C-O-C linkage into monomeric units via hydrolysis. The highest yield of C6 sugar alcohols is 61% (sorbitol: 29%, mannitol: 28%, and galactitol: 4%). The low value of sorbitol to mannitol ratio differs to the case of cellulose hydrogenation due to the composition of alginic acid and isomerization between sugar alcohols under the catalytic system. Such a new and green route to produce sugar alcohols from alginic acid would provide opportunities to diversify biomass resources.