@misc{KetabchiPastorPerezArellanoGarciaetal., author = {Ketabchi, Elham and Pastor-Perez, Laura and Arellano-Garc{\´i}a, Harvey and Ramirez Reina, Tomas}, title = {Influence of Reaction Parameters on the Catalytic Upgrading of an Acetone, Butanol and Ethanol (ABE) Mixture: Exploring New Routes for Modern Biorefineries}, series = {Frontiers in Chemistry}, volume = {7}, journal = {Frontiers in Chemistry}, issn = {2296-2646}, doi = {10.3389/fchem.2019.00906}, abstract = {Here we present a comprehensive study on the effect of reaction parameters on the upgrade of an acetone, butanol and ethanol mixture - key molecules and platform products of great interest within the chemical sector. Using a selected high performing catalyst, Fe/MgO-Al2O3, the variation of temperature, reaction time, catalytic loading and reactant molar ratio have been examined in this reaction. This work is aiming to not only optimise the reaction conditions previously used, but to step towards using less energy, time and material by testing those conditions and analysing the sufficiency of the results. Herein we demonstrate that this reaction is favoured at higher temperatures and longer reaction time. Also, we observe that increasing the catalyst loading had a positive effect on the product yields, while reactant ratios have shown to produce varied results due to the role of each reactant in the complex reaction network. In line with the aim of reducing energy and costs, this work showcases that the products from the upgrading route have significantly higher market value than the reactants; highlighting that this process represents an appealing route to be implemented in modern biorefineries.}, language = {en} } @misc{KetabchiPastorPerezRamirezReinaetal., author = {Ketabchi, Elham and Pastor-Perez, Laura and Ramirez Reina, Tomas and Arellano-Garc{\´i}a, Harvey}, title = {Catalytic upgrading of acetone, butanol and ethanol (ABE): A step ahead for the production of added value chemicals in bio-refineries}, series = {Renewable Energy}, volume = {156}, journal = {Renewable Energy}, issn = {1879-0682}, doi = {10.1016/j.renene.2020.04.152}, pages = {1065 -- 1075}, abstract = {With the aim of moving towards sustainability and renewable energy sources, we have studied the production of long chain hydrocarbons from a renewable source of biomass to reduce negative impacts of greenhouse gas emissions while providing a suitable alternative for fossil fuel-based processes. Herein we report a catalytic strategy for Acetone, Butanol and Ethanol (ABE) upgrading using economically viable catalysts with potential impact in modern bio-refineries. Our catalysts based on transition metals such as Ni, Fe and Cu supported on MgO-Al2O3 have been proven to perform exceptionally with outstanding conversions towards the production of a broad range of added value chemicals from C2 to C15. Although all catalysts displayed meritorious performance, the Fe catalyst has shown the best results in terms conversion (89\%). Interestingly, the Cu catalyst displays the highest selectivity towards long chain hydrocarbons (14\%). Very importantly, our approach suppresses the utilization of solvents and additives resulting directly in upgraded hydrocarbons that are of use in the chemical and/or the transportation industry. Overall, this seminal work opens the possibility to consider ABE upgrading as a viable route in bio-refineries to produce renewably sourced added value products in an economically favorable way. In addition, the described process can be envisaged as a cross-link stream among bio and traditional refineries aiming to reduce fossil fuel sources involved and incorporate "greener" solutions.}, language = {en} }