Clean Technology
Solar Cells for Reducing HMF to Valuable Platform Chemicals
WARF: P150141US01
Inventors: Kyoung-Shin Choi, John Roylance, Stephen Kubota
The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) is seeking commercial partners interested in developing a sustainable method to produce valuable platform chemicals like BHMF.
Overview
A biomass-derived chemical called HMF (5-hydroxymethylfurfural) can be turned into a variety of industrial molecules. For example, it can be reduced to BHMF or 2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl) furan, an important building block molecule used to make biodiesel, polyester and polyurethane foams.
To date, converting HMF to BHMF has required high temperatures and pressure, costly catalysts and hydrogen gas (H2). Relying on H2 is problematic because of the energy it takes to produce.
A cheaper, greener and more efficient approach is needed.
To date, converting HMF to BHMF has required high temperatures and pressure, costly catalysts and hydrogen gas (H2). Relying on H2 is problematic because of the energy it takes to produce.
A cheaper, greener and more efficient approach is needed.
The Invention
UW–Madison researchers have developed a high yield method for reducing HMF to valuable furan alcohols including BHMF.
The new method uses electrochemical cells (ECs) or solar-powered photoelectrochemical cells (PECs) to drive the reduction reaction. The cells feature cost-effective catalytic electrodes made of silver film on copper. The reaction takes place at ambient temperature and pressure using water as the hydrogen source.
The process also can be used to produce linear ketones such as 5-MF (5-methylfurfural) using a zinc catalyst.
The new method uses electrochemical cells (ECs) or solar-powered photoelectrochemical cells (PECs) to drive the reduction reaction. The cells feature cost-effective catalytic electrodes made of silver film on copper. The reaction takes place at ambient temperature and pressure using water as the hydrogen source.
The process also can be used to produce linear ketones such as 5-MF (5-methylfurfural) using a zinc catalyst.
Applications
- Production of furan alcohols and linear ketones – important building block molecules used to make a variety of materials and chemicals
Key Benefits
- More efficient, higher yields
- Outperforms previous electrochemical methods
- Water is used as the hydrogen source.
- None of the storage/production issues associated with H2
- Mild reaction conditions
- Economical catalyst electrodes
- Lower pH solutions, stable conditions
Stage of Development
The researchers have reduced HMF to BHMF with a Faradaic efficiency and yield exceeding 98 percent.
Additional Information
For More Information About the Inventors
Related Technologies
Tech Fields
For current licensing status, please contact Jennifer Gottwald at [javascript protected email address] or 608-960-9854