We show that zeolite catalysts used for the conversion of carbohydrates to biorenewable chemicals in the condensed phase are sensitive to inorganic salts naturally present in biomass.[1] Specifically, sodium chloride was found to enhance the hydrolysis of Si-O-Al bridges and the release of aluminum into the solution. These species catalyze the conversion of glucose through homogeneous catalytic processes and obscure the apparent reactivity of the zeolite catalyst. The observed leaching is significant as 3-5% of the Al initially present in the zeolite was lost within 30 minutes even at low salt concentration (0.07%). These phenomena also affect ZSM-5 although this zeolite was previously shown to be stable in hot pressurized water.<br/>

Hydrothermal stability of zeolites under relevant carbohydrate conversion conditions

254th National Meeting (2017)

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