Evaluation of heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysts for glucose isomerization and their kinetics

Abstract

To resolve the urgent energy needs, the whole scientific community is attempting to develop methods and approaches for alternative energy sources. Lignocellulosic biomass is recognized as a potential renewable carbonaceous source because it is available in plenty and is cheaper. Biomass-derived 5- hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), wherein glucose acts as a reactant and undergoes isomerization to form fructose, and further, it is converted to HMF. Herein, we report base catalyzed glucose to fructose isomerization with different varieties of catalysts. Both heterogeneous and homogeneous type catalysts were utilized for glucose isomerization reactions. Prepared catalyst was characterized through several techniques such X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-vis spectroscopy (UV-vis), high resolution transmission emission microscopy (HRTEM), Scanning electron microscope etc. All the catalysts have shown the state of the art s performance for fructose production. In this study, we have also confirmed the formation of non-calorie sugar psicose, produced during the isomerization reaction as a byproduct. newline