The potential of microwave technology for the recovery, synthesis and manufacturing of chemicals from bio-wastes

TY - JOUR

T1 - The potential of microwave technology for the recovery, synthesis and manufacturing of chemicals from bio-wastes

AU - Budarin, Vitaliy L.

AU - Shuttleworth, Peter S.

AU - De Bruyn, Mario

AU - Farmer, Thomas J.

AU - Gronnow, Mark J.

AU - Pfaltzgraff, Lucie

AU - Macquarrie, Duncan J.

AU - Clark, James H.

PY - 2015/1/1

Y1 - 2015/1/1

N2 - Through a series of case studies it is demonstrated that microwave dielectric heating can be a powerful tool to recover and synthesize valuable molecules from a wide range of biomass types. In addition, under microwave irradiation the production of chemicals from biomass proceeds at markedly lower temperatures (up to 150 °C) compared to conventional heating. This has a secondary benefit in that molecules with a high degree of functionality are produced while conventional heating tends to produce a great proportion of lower value gases. Furthermore, the technical set-up of a microwave reactor can easily accommodate for an in-situ separation of acids and valuable products therewith improving the shelf life of the latter. The benefits of combining hydrothermal conditions with microwave irradiation are also illustrated. In addition, a specialized case of selective heating in a biphasic reaction system is discussed, allowing for improved yields and selectivity.

AB - Through a series of case studies it is demonstrated that microwave dielectric heating can be a powerful tool to recover and synthesize valuable molecules from a wide range of biomass types. In addition, under microwave irradiation the production of chemicals from biomass proceeds at markedly lower temperatures (up to 150 °C) compared to conventional heating. This has a secondary benefit in that molecules with a high degree of functionality are produced while conventional heating tends to produce a great proportion of lower value gases. Furthermore, the technical set-up of a microwave reactor can easily accommodate for an in-situ separation of acids and valuable products therewith improving the shelf life of the latter. The benefits of combining hydrothermal conditions with microwave irradiation are also illustrated. In addition, a specialized case of selective heating in a biphasic reaction system is discussed, allowing for improved yields and selectivity.

KW - Biomass

KW - Chemicals

KW - Energy

KW - Hydrolysis

KW - Microwaves

KW - Pyrolysis

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84908244302&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.1016/j.cattod.2013.11.058

DO - 10.1016/j.cattod.2013.11.058

M3 - Article

AN - SCOPUS:84908244302

SN - 0920-5861

VL - 239

SP - 80

EP - 89

JO - Catalysis Today

JF - Catalysis Today

ER -