@article {sanjayan, title = {Metal-organic hybrids of 1,3,5-tris(4-pyridylsulfanylmethyl)-2,4,6-trimethylbenzene with mercuric halides}, journal = {European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry}, number = {8}, year = {2007}, month = {MAR}, pages = {1150-1158}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {Synthesis and solid-state structure elucidation of metal-organic hybrids of 1,3,5-tris(4-pyridylsulfanylmenthyl)-2,4,6-trimethylbenzene with Hg(II) halides (HgCl(2), HgBr(2), and HGI(2)) are reported. In the metal-hybrids of L(1), a reaction with HgCl(2) in dmso as well as in dmf gave host-guest complexes, 1a and 1b, respectively, with the corresponding solvent of crystallization as the guests, while a reaction with HgI(2) gave open-frame network structures without any solvent of crystallization from both dmso and dmf (1c). However, reaction with HgBr(2) gave crystals of two different morphologies from each solvent dmso and dmf (1d-1f), which corresponds to the structures with and without solvent of crystallization that resemble the related structures formed by HgCl(2) and HgI(2), respectively. Three-dimensional structures of all the compounds were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. While 1a and 1b crystallize in triclinic P (1) over bar space groups 1a: a = 9.049(2), b = 13.646(4), c = 16.298(4) angstrom, a = 111.99(1), beta = 90.43(1), gamma = 101.57(1)degrees, Z = 2, V = 1820.6(8) angstrom(3), 1b: a = 8.9799(3), b = 13.611(5), c = 16.355(5) angstrom, a = 111.57(1), beta = 92.37(1), gamma = 101.07(1)degrees, Z = 2, V = 1810.05(11) angstrom(3) complexes 1c-1f crystallize into monoclinic space groups [1c: C2/c, a = 27.661(7), b = 18.821(4), c = 15.786(4) angstrom, beta = 113.13(1), Z = 4, V = 7558(3) angstrom(3), 1d: P2(1)/c, a = 17.950(5), b = 9.031(2), c = 22.200(6) angstrom, beta = 113.62(1), Z = 4, V = 3297.3(15) angstrom(3), 1e: C2/c, a = 26.753(15), b = 18.415(10), c = 14.940(7) angstrom, beta = 109.50(1), Z = 4, V = 6938(6) angstrom(3), 1f: P2(1)/n, a = 17.697(10), b = 9.224(5), c = 21.933(12) angstrom, beta = 112.50(1), Z = 4, V = 3308(3) angstrom(3)]. ((c) Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH \& Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007).}, keywords = {Biomass, dominant, Modelling, pyrolysis shrinkage}, issn = {0196-8904}, doi = {10.1002/ejic.200600867}, author = {PrakashaReddy, Jayarama and Pedireddi, Venkateswara Rao} } @article { ISI:000262296200001, title = {Cellulose conversion under heterogeneous catalysis}, journal = {ChemSusChem}, volume = {1}, number = {12}, year = {2008}, month = {NOV}, pages = {969-975}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, type = {Article}, address = {PO BOX 10 11 61, D-69451 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

In view of current problems such as global warming, high oil prices, food crisis, stricter environmental laws, and other geopolitical scenarios surrounding the use of fossil feedstocks and edible resources, the efficient conversion of cellulose, a non-food biomass, into energy, fuels, and chemicals has received much attention. The application of heterogeneous catalysis could allow researchers to develop environmentally benign processes that lead to selective formation of value-added products from cellulose under relatively mild conditions. This Minireview gives insight into the importance of biomass utilization, the current status of cellulose conversion, and further transformation of the primary products obtained

}, keywords = {Biomass, cellulose, heterogeneous catalysis, supported catalysts}, issn = {1864-5631}, doi = {10.1002/cssc.200800129}, author = {Dhepe, Paresh Laxmikant and Fukuoka, Atsushi} } @article { ISI:000271136800002, title = {Sustainable green catalysis by supported metal nanoparticles}, journal = {Chemical Record}, volume = {9}, number = {4}, year = {2009}, month = {AUG}, pages = {224-235}, publisher = {JOHN WILEY \& SONS INC}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN, NJ 07030 USA}, abstract = {

The recent progress of sustainable green catalysis by supported metal nanoparticles is described. The template synthesis of metal nanoparticles in ordered porous materials is studied for the rational design of heterogeneous catalysts capable of high activity and selectivity. The application of these materials in green catalytic processes results in a unique activity and selectivity arising from the concerted effect of metal nanoparticles and supports. The high catalytic performances of Pt nanoparticles in mesoporous silica is reported Supported metal catalysts have also been applied to biomass conversion by heterogeneous catalysis Additionally, the degradation of cellulose by supported metal catalysts, in which bifunctional catalysis of acid and metal plays the key role for the hydrolysis and reduction of cellulose, is also reported. (C) 2009 The Japan Chemical Journal Forum and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Chem Rec 9: 224-235: 2009: Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.intersciencewiley.corn) DOI 10.1002/tcr.200900004

}, keywords = {Biomass, cellulose, CO oxidation, Mesoporous silica, supported metal catalyst}, issn = {1527-8999}, doi = {10.1002/tcr.200900004}, author = {Fukuoka, Atsushi and Dhepe, Paresh Laxmikant} } @article { ISI:000302164500022, title = {One-Pot method for the selective conversion of hemicellulose from crop waste into C5 sugars and furfural by using solid acid catalysts}, journal = {Chemsuschem}, volume = {5}, number = {4}, year = {2012}, month = {APR}, pages = {751-761}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {PO BOX 10 11 61, D-69451 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {

We present a solid-acid catalyzed one-pot method for the selective conversion of solid hemicellulose without its separation from other lignocellulosic components, such as cellulose and lignin. The reactions were carried out in aqueous and biphasic media to yield xylose, arabinose, and furfural. To overcome the drawbacks posed by mineral acid methods in converting hemicelllulose, we used heterogeneous catalysts that work at neutral pH. In a batch reactor, these heterogeneous catalysts, such as solid acids (zeolites, clays, metal oxides etc.), resulted in \>90\% conversion of hemicellulose. It has been shown that the selectivity for the products can be tuned by changing the reaction conditions, for example, a reaction carried out in water at 170 degrees C for 1 h with HBeta (Si/Al=19) and HUSY (Si/Al=15) catalysts gave yields of 62 and 56\% for xylose and arabinose, respectively. With increased reaction time (6 h) and in presence of only water, HUSY resulted in yields of 30\% xylose+arabinose and 18\% furfural. However, in a biphasic reaction system (water+p-xylene, 170 degrees C, 6 h) yields of 56\% furfural with 17\% xylose+arabinose could be achieved. It was shown that with the addition of organic solvent the furfural yield could be increased from 18 to 56\%. Under optimized reaction conditions, \>90\% carbon balance was observed. The study revealed that catalysts were recyclable with a 20\% drop in activity for each subsequent run. It was observed that temperature, pressure, reaction time, substrate to catalyst ratio, solvent, and so forth had an effect on product formation. The catalysts were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction, temperature-programmed desorption of NH3, inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and solid-state NMR (Si-29, Al-27) spectroscopy techniques.

}, keywords = {analytical methods, Biomass, carbohydrates, heterogeneous catalysis, zeolites}, issn = {1864-5631}, doi = {10.1002/cssc.201100448}, author = {Sahu, Ramakanta and Dhepe, Paresh Laxmikant} } @article { ISI:000339378200013, title = {Synthesis of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid by the aerobic oxidation of 5-hydroxymethyl furfural over supported metal catalysts}, journal = {Reaction Kinetics Mechanisms and Catalysis}, volume = {112}, number = {1}, year = {2014}, month = {JUN}, pages = {173-187}, publisher = {SPRINGER}, address = {VAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Supported Pt catalysts are synthesized, characterized and are used in the liquid phase air oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA). Under the optimum reaction conditions of a stepwise increase in the reaction temperature (75 and 140 degrees C for 12 h each), we achieved as high as 96 \% FDCA yield in presence of 1 bar oxygen pressure over Pt/c-Al2O3. It is shown that as the oxygen pressure increases (1-10 bar), the FDCA yields decrease, since at higher partial pressure of oxygen, overoxidation reactions of substrate and product(s) are possible. It is interesting to note that even with air as an oxidant, we obtained similar yields of FDCA as that with oxygen. Moreover, the effects of base (weak or strong), its concentration (equimolar or excess) were studied in detail. It is important to increase the reaction temperature in a stepwise manner to achieve higher yields of FDCA since at higher temperatures HMF undergoes self-degradation and thus the yields of FDCA decrease. The self-degradation of HMF is also proved by undertaking the reaction under nitrogen environment. The study on the effect of substrate-to-catalyst ratio is done to improve up on the economics of overall process. The effect of supports (reducible and non-reducible) and their oxygen storage capacity is discussed and is proposed to be one of the factors to change the course of reaction. Furthermore, we have shown that FDCA formed in the reaction can be successfully isolated (91 \%, isolated yield) in the pure form and its purity is confirmed by NMR, melting point, and elemental analysis. The catalysts were characterized with X-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy techniques.

}, keywords = {Biomass, FDCA, green chemistry, heterogeneous catalyst, HMF, Impregnation, Oxidation}, issn = {1878-5190}, doi = {10.1007/s11144-014-0689-z}, author = {Sahu, Ramakanta and Dhepe, Paresh Laxmikant} } @article { ISI:000334895800008, title = {Value addition to lignocellulosics and biomass-derived sugars: an insight into solid acid-based catalytic methods}, journal = {Journal of Chemical Sciences}, volume = {126}, number = {2, SI}, year = {2014}, note = {21st National Symposium on Catalysis (CATSYMP), CSIR Indian Inst Chem Technol, Hyderabad, INDIA, FEB 11-13, 2013}, month = {MAR}, pages = {373-385}, publisher = {Catalysis Soc India}, type = {Article, Proceedings Paper}, address = {C V RAMAN AVENUE, SADASHIVANAGAR, P B \#8005, BANGALORE 560 080, INDIA}, abstract = {

For the synthesis of important platform chemicals such as sugars (xylose and arabinose) and furans (furfural and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF)) from carbohydrates (hemicellulose and fructose) solid acid catalysts are employed. Similarly, over solid acid catalysts, conversion of lignin into aromatic monomers is performed. It is observed that in the dehydration of fructose, because of higher hydrothermal stability, silicoaluminophosphate (SAPO) catalysts give better activity (78\% HMF yield) compared with other solid acid catalysts (\<63\% HMF yield) at 175 degrees C. Particularly, SAPO-44 catalyst can be reused at least 5 times with marginal decrease in the activity. Zeolite, BUSY (Si/Al = 15) is active in the conversion of isolated (pure) hemicellulose to produce 41\% C-5 sugars in water. The catalyst is also active in the selective conversion of hemicellulose from bagasse to yield 59\% C-5 sugars. It is possible to obtain high yields of furfural (54\%) directly from bagasse if instead of water, Water+toluene solvent system is used. Depolymerization of lignin using HUSY catalyst produced aromatic monomers with 60\% yield at 250 degrees C. A detailed catalyst characterization study is performed to understand the correlation between catalyst activity and morphology. To understand the effect of impurities present in the substrate over solid acid catalysts, metal-exchange study is carried out.

}, keywords = {aromatic monomers, Biomass, furans, Hemicellulose, lignin, solid acid catalyst}, issn = {0974-3626}, author = {Bhaumik, Prasenjit and Deepa, Ayillath K. and Kane, Tanushree and Dhepe, Paresh Laxmikant} } @article { ISI:000354137000012, title = {Effects of careful designing of SAPO-44 catalysts on the efficient synthesis of furfural}, journal = {Catalysis Today}, volume = {251}, year = {2015}, note = {7th Tokyo Conference on Advanced Catalytic Science and Technology (TOCAT), Kyoto, JAPAN, JUN 01-06, 2014}, month = {AUG}, pages = {66-72}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Considering the growing importance of furfural, it is necessary to develop a robust solid acid catalyst for the conversion of xylan (hemicelluloses) into furfural in a one-pot method. In this study, the effects of various components (Si, Al and P) and crystallization time on the preparation of acidic materials and their properties are extensively described. It is seen that with the increase in crystallization time (0, 48, 96, 176 h) during the synthesis of silicoaluminophosphate (SAPO-44), materials morphology changes from amorphous to AFI to CHA and the best activity for furfural synthesis (82\%) from xylan was observed with SAPO-44 catalyst aged for 176 h. Since, acidity in the SAPO-44 is guided by the incorporation of Si in the ALPO framework, study on Si molar concentration (0.8, 1.0, 1.2, 1.4 and 1.6) in SAPO-44 was carried out and it was observed that SAPO-44 having 1.0 mole of Si content is the best catalyst for the xylan/xylose conversion to furfural. Catalyst structure-activity correlation is thoroughly defined with the help of several physico-chemical properties. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Biomass, furfural, Hemicellulose, SAPO-44, Xylose}, issn = {0920-5861}, doi = {10.1016/j.cattod.2014.10.042}, author = {Bhaumik, Prasenjit and Dhepe, Paresh Laxmikant} } @article { ISI:000347513400044, title = {Lignin depolymerization into aromatic monomers over solid acid catalysts}, journal = {ACS Catalysis}, volume = {5}, number = {1}, year = {2015}, month = {JAN}, pages = {365-379}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {

It is imperative to develop an efficient and environmentally benign pathway to valorize profusely available lignin, a component of nonedible lignocellulosic materials, into value-added aromatic monomers, which can be used as fuel additives and platform chemicals. To convert lignin, earlier studies used mineral bases (NaOH, CsOH) or supported metal catalysts (Pt, Ru, Pd, Ni on C, SiO2, Al2O3, etc.) under a hydrogen atmosphere, but these methods face several drawbacks such as corrosion, difficulty in catalyst recovery, sintering of metals, loss of activity, etc. Here we show that under an inert atmosphere various solid acid catalysts can efficiently convert six different types of lignins into value-added aromatic monomers. In particular, the SiO2Al2O3 catalyst gave exceptionally high yields of ca. 60\% for organic solvent soluble extracted products with 95 +/- 10\% mass balance in the depolymerization of dealkaline lignin, bagasse lignin, and ORG and EORG lignins at 250 degrees C within 30 min. GC, GC-MS, HPLC, LC-MS, and GPC analysis of organic solvent soluble extracted products confirmed the formation of aromatic monomers with ca. 90\% selectivity. In the products, confirmation of retention of aromatic nature as present in lignin and the appearance of several functional groups has been carried out by FT-IR and H-1 and C-13 NMR studies. Further, isolation of major products by column chromatography was carried out to obtain aromatic monomers in pure form and their characterization by NMR is presented. A detailed characterization of six different types of lignins obtained from various sources helped in substantiating the catalytic results obtained in these reactions. A meticulous study on fresh and spent catalysts revealed that the amorphous catalysts are preferred to obtain reproducible catalytic results.

}, keywords = {aromatic monomers, Biomass, column chromatography, depolymerization, lignin, solid acid catalysts}, issn = {2155-5435}, doi = {10.1021/cs501371q}, author = {Deepa, Ayillath K. and Dhepe, Paresh Laxmikant} } @article { ISI:000377826000008, title = {Biogenic green synthesis of monodispersed gum kondagogu (Cochlospermum gossypium) iron nanocomposite material and its application in germination and growth of mung bean (Vigna radiata) as a plant model}, journal = {IET Nanobiotechnology}, volume = {10}, number = {3}, year = {2016}, month = {JUN}, pages = {141-146}, publisher = {INST ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY-IET}, address = {MICHAEL FARADAY HOUSE SIX HILLS WAY STEVENAGE, HERTFORD SG1 2AY, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

An eco-friendly green and one-pot synthesis of highly monodispersed iron (Fe) nanoparticles (NPs) by using a natural biopolymer, gum kondagogu (GK) as reducing and capping agent is proposed. The NPs synthesised were characterised by ultra-violet-visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. As the concentration of gum and time increases, the intensity of NPs formation increased. The NPs were highly monodispersed with uniform circular shapes of 2-6 nm in size. The formed NPs were crystalline in nature which was confirmed by diffraction analysis. The conversion ratio of Fe ionic form to NPs was 21\% which was quantified by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). Fe is essential for plant growth and development. A study was conducted to examine the effect of these NPs on the growth of mung bean (Vigna radiata). The radical length and biomass was increased in seeds exposed to Fe NPs than the ions. The uptake of Fe NPs by the sprouts was also quantified by ICP-MS, in which Fe was more in mung bean seeds exposed to NPs. The -amylase activity was increased in the seeds exposed to NPs. The observed increase in the biomass by Fe NPs and seed germination may facilitate its application in the agriculture as an important cost-effective method for plant growth.

}, keywords = {alpha-amylase activity, Biogenic green synthesis, biological techniques, Biomass, Cochlospermum gossypium, diffraction analysis, enzymes, Fe, gum concentration, high-monodispersed iron nanoparticles, inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy, ionic-to-nanoparticle iron conversion ratio, iron, monodispersed gum kondagogu, monodispersed gum kondagogu iron nanocomposite material, mung bean germination, mung bean growth, Nanobiotechnology, Nanocomposites, nanoparticle formation, Nanoparticles, natural biopolymer, plant growth, plant model, scanning electron microscopy, size 2 nm to 6 nm, transmission electron microscopy, ultraviolet spectra, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, Vigna radiata, visible spectra, X-ray diffraction}, issn = {1751-8741}, doi = {10.1049/iet-nbt.2015.0112}, author = {Raju, Dugyala and Mehta, Urmil J. and Beedu, Sashidhar Rao} } @article { ISI:000381165300025, title = {Studies of synergy between metal-support interfaces and selective hydrogenation of HMF to DMF in water}, journal = {Journal of Catalysis}, volume = {340}, year = {2016}, month = {AUG}, pages = {248-260}, publisher = {ACADEMIC PRESS INC ELSEVIER SCIENCE}, address = {525 B ST, STE 1900, SAN DIEGO, CA 92101-4495 USA}, abstract = {

Metal-support interfaces play a very important role in heterogeneous catalysis. The interfacial interactions not only are responsible for stabilizing the necessary oxidation state to facilitate the reaction but also enhance the stability of the catalyst system. Nano dispersion of Ni on mesoporous nitrogen-rich carbon material has been achieved using two different synthesis methods. It was observed that nickel (0) gets stabilized by strong interfacial interaction with the nitrogen atoms of the support material, and the material was found to be very economic and efficient for the conversion of HMF to DMF in aqueous medium. The material shows \>= 99\% conversion to 5-(hydroxymethyl) furfural (HMF) within 6 h of reaction with 98.7\% DMF selectivity. A unique correlation between synthesis methods and particle sizes with catalytic performance has been observed for these newly developed materials. Furthermore, a DFT calculation has been performed to predict the reaction mechanism. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {biofuels, Biomass, Hydrogenation, mesoporous carbon, Ni-CNx}, issn = {0021-9517}, doi = {10.1016/j.jcat.2016.05.012}, author = {Goyal, Reena and Sarkar, Bipul and Bag, Arijit and Siddiqui, Nazia and Dumbre, Deepa K. and Lucas, Nishita and Bhargava, Suresh Kumar and Bordoloi, Ankur} } @article {45607, title = {Selective hydrogenolysis of 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural over Pd/C catalyst to 2,5-dimethylfuran}, journal = {Journal of Saudi Chemical Society}, volume = {23}, year = {2019}, month = {MAY}, pages = {439-451}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

everal metal supported catalysts were prepared and evaluated for 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural (5-HMF) hydrogenolysis to 2,5-dimethylfuran (2,5-DMF) which is a renewable potential fuel additive. Among the prepared catalysts, 3\%Pd/C showed excellent performance in terms of complete conversion of 5-HMF along with the highest selectivity of 99\% to 2,5-DMF. Detailed physico-chemical characterisation was done in order to understand structure-activity correlation. Uniformly dispersed Pd nanoparticles on activated carbon provided the adsorption surface to enhance the hydrogenation of 5-HMF. Reaction was well optimised and established by extensive study of different reaction parameters like temperature, pressure, reaction time, stirring effect, substrate loading and metal loading.

}, keywords = {Biomass, Fuel additive, heterogeneous catalysis, Hydrogenolysis, Palladium}, issn = {1319-6103}, doi = {10.1016/j.jscs.2018.08.009}, author = {Solanki, B. S. and Rode, C. V.} } @article {47143, title = {Lignocellulose-derived platform molecules: an introduction}, journal = {Recent Advances in Development of Platform Chemicals}, year = {2020}, month = {JAN}, pages = {1-31}, type = {Book Chapter}, abstract = {

Fossil feedstocks such as crude oil, natural gas, and coal are formed by natural anaerobic decomposition of buried organisms for a period of more than 650\ million years. On the other hand, agrobiomass is quick to grow and becomes a renewable source of chemical and fuel production through processing in a biorefinery.

}, keywords = {Biomass, Biorefinery Cellulose, Lignocellulose Petrofinery, Platform molecules}, doi = {10.1016/B978-0-444-64307-0.00001-9}, author = {Shinde, Suhas H. and Hengne, Amol and Rode, Chandrashekhar V.} } @article {47434, title = {Biomass-derived activated carbon material from native European deciduous trees as an inexpensive and sustainable energy material for supercapacitor application}, journal = {Journal of Energy Storage}, volume = {34}, year = {2021}, month = {FEB}, pages = {102178}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Activated carbons are one of the possible electrode materials for supercapacitors (SCs), which are widely used in commercial applications. Herein, we reported the synthesis of a novel activated carbon derived through a cavitation process from the mixture of native European deciduous trees, Birch, Fagaceae, and Carpinus betulus (commonly known as European hornbeam), which was employed as the electrode material in SC. From the morphological and structural characterization, we observed that the prepared sample is a desirable carbon with good porosity and high specific surface area of about 614 m(2) g(-1). The electrochemical properties of the synthesized material were evaluated with a three-electrode configuration in 1.0 M H2SO4 electrolyte. It was found that in device mode, the carbon material delivers a specific capacitance of 24 F g(-1) at 0.25 A g(-1) with excellent cycling stability of over 10000 consecutive charge/discharge cycles. Thus, our studies demonstrate the facile synthesis of biomass-derived carbon and its application as a versatile electrode material for SC applications.

}, keywords = {Biomass, Carbon material, Deciduous trees, Electrode material, supercapacitor}, issn = {2352-152X}, doi = {10.1016/j.est.2020.102178}, author = {Jain, Amrita and Ghosh, Meena and Krajewski, Marcin and Kurungot, Sreekumar and Michalska, Monika} } @article {47580, title = {Single-pot alcoholysis of furfuryl alcohol to alkyl levulinates using heterogenized p-TSA catalyst**}, journal = {ChemistrySelect}, volume = {6}, year = {2021}, month = {JUL }, pages = {6636-6643}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Synthesis of levulinate esters which are known to be excellent sustainable fuel additives, was achieved by alcoholysis of furfuryl alcohol over strong solid acid catalyst, prepared by copolymerization of p-toluenesulfonic acid with paraformaldehyde. Our catalyst possessed Bronsted acidity (3 mmol/g) with an excellent stability up to 220 degrees C. XPS, FT-IR and Pyridine-IR along with microanalysis studies confirmed the presence of terminal -SO3H functional groups responsible for Bronsted acidity in the catalyst. The catalyst was found to efficiently catalyze the alcoholysis of furfuryl alcohol to give alkyl levulinates under mild reaction conditions. The complete conversion of furfuryl alcohol with 96 \% and 97 \% selectivities to ethyl and butyl levulinates could be achieved using ethanol and butanol, respectively. Detailed study on effect of various reaction parameters like catalyst loading, reaction time and reaction temperature on conversion and product distribution was also carried out for the ethanolysis of furfuryl alcohol to ethyl levulinate. The catalyst could be easily recovered and recycled for five times successfully, with no loss in its original activity.}, keywords = {Biomass, ethyl levulinate, Fuel additive, Furfuryl alcohol, heterogeneous catalysis}, issn = {2365-6549}, doi = {10.1002/slct.202101392}, author = {Patil, Chetana R. and Kamble, Sanjay P. and Rode, Chandrashekhar V.} } @article {48221, title = {Algal biomass-loaded hydrogel scaffolds as a biomimetic platform with antibacterial and wound healing activities}, journal = {ACS Applied Polymer Materials}, volume = {4}, year = {2022}, month = {AUG}, pages = {5800-5812}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The confluence of hydrogel scaffolds and dried algal biomass (AB), consisting of all the bioactive compounds, offers the possibility to facilitate wound healing while simultaneously instilling antibacterial benefits. For this purpose, a single-step synthesis of algal (Chlorella sorokiniana) biomass-loaded hydrogel scaffolds (AHS) was achieved. C. sorokiniana has been used in different areas for several years and has proved attractive to the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Of note, the presence of phytochemicals and various bioactive compounds provides an added health benefit. Hitherto, we report AHS with accelerated wound healing along with potent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. AHS consisting of different concentrations of AB was applied for 14 days on excisional wounds in mice. Microscopic analyses, assessment of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and histological studies were performed to investigate wound healing. These scaffolds were extensively characterized and studied using Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, Raman, atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, swelling, rheological, thermal, and mechanical analyses. AHS have excellent biocompatibility in addition to significant antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (99\%) and Staphylococcus aureus (98\%). We believe that the as-synthesized AHS have the potential to broaden the arsenal of more effective wound healing processes along with antibacterial activities.

}, keywords = {antibacterial activity, Biomass, hydrogel scaffold, microalgae, wound Healing}, issn = {2637-6105}, doi = {10.1021/acsapm.2c00722}, author = {Agarwal, Aakanksha and Kumar, Arun and Garg, Piyush and Chakraborty, Arnab and Verma, Ranjan and Sarwat, Maryam and Gupta, Ajay and Sasmal, Pijus K. and Verma, Yogesh Kumar and Chowdhury, Chiranjit and Mukherjee, Monalisa} } @article {48121, title = {Crystalline xylitol production from corncob biomass with oral toxicity analysis}, journal = {Industrial Crops and Products}, volume = {187}, year = {2022}, month = {NOV }, pages = {115407}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Xylitol, a five-carbon sugar alcohol, has a steady global market and finds application as a natural sugar substitute in various food and confectionery products. Biocatalytic xylitol production, although touted as a greener alternative to conventional chemical catalysis, suffers from certain challenges, the primary being high cost of production. This study demonstrates a process for food-grade xylitol production from corncob biomass with energy reduction through two major process modifications. A non-conventional fermentation strategy was adopted whereby adjusting aeration without agitation, xylitol with high yield (0.86 +/- 0.015 g/g), and productivity (0.74 gL(-1)h(-1)) could be produced by a GRAS Pichia caribbica MTCC 5703 strain. Xylitol was recovered from the broth in the form of crystals using a combination of membrane-based filtration and crystallization. The crystals demonstrated similar to 98 \% purity when quantified with H-1 NMR. Oral toxicity analysis of the crystals demonstrated no adverse effect in female Winstar rats (at a loading of 2000 mg/kg body weight of animals). Overall process statistics showed that 0.584 kg of food-grade xylitol crystals could be produced from 3.5 kg of corncob biomass. The two-process modifications during fermentation and xylitol recovery enabled an energy saving of similar to 20.842 kW/kg of crystals, providing tremendous advantages for biorefinery-based large-scale xylitol production from corncob biomass.

}, keywords = {Biomass, Fermentation, Oral toxicity analysis, Wastewater treatment, xylitol}, issn = {0926-6690}, doi = {10.1016/j.indcrop.2022.115407}, author = {Ahuja, Vishal and Dasgupta, Diptarka and Kshirsagar, Siddheshwar and Ghosh, Prasenjit and More, Snehal and Gupta, Piyush and Behera, Babita and Bhaskar, Thallada} } @article {48054, title = {Integrated chemo and bio-catalyzed synthesis of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid from fructose derived 5-hydroxymethylfurfural}, journal = {Biomass \& Bioenergy}, volume = {161}, year = {2022}, month = {JUN}, pages = {106474}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Biomass being a renewable source of energy, has emerged as an attractive target for manufacturing valuable products. These possibilities can be explored to meet the current need for degradable plastic, 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA). Integration of chemical and biological approaches for direct biomass conversion into FDCA was evaluated in this study. 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) was chemo-catalytically obtained from fructose using recyclable amberlyte IR-120 as a catalyst with \>98\% purity. Klebsiella oxytoca NCIM 2694 bacterial strain showed the potential of converting 98\% of 5-HMF into FDCA with 58\% selectivity at 96 h. With optimized conditions of pH 7, 37 degrees C, 2 g whole cells, we reported 99\% 5-HMF conversion to FDCA with 95\% selectivity at 72 h and 2667 mg L-1 yield, with 39 mg L-1 h-1 productivity. This is the highest yield obtained with the substrate concentration as high as 3000 mg L-1 reported till date. While the bacterial tolerance to 5-HMF observed was for the highest 5-HMF concentration of 4000 mg L-1, with 99\% conversion however, compromising the FDCA yield to 2447 mg L-1 and 32 mg L-1 h-1 productivity. Atom economy of 85\% and E factor of 17.71 g g-1 was obtained as a measure of its efficiency and sustainability of the process. The developed process will decrease the cost by excluding any extra nutrient supplement, complete substrate utilization, highest FDCA selectivity/productivity and higher tolerance by K. oxytoca, sequentially catalyzing the oxidations by a single route for FDCA synthesis from renewables.

}, keywords = {biocatalysis, Biodegradable polyester, Biomass, Platform chemical, Sustainability metrics}, issn = {0961-9534}, doi = {10.1016/j.biombioe.2022.106474}, author = {Parate, Roopa D. and Dharne, Mahesh S. and Rode, V. Chandrashekhar} } @article {47935, title = {Ionic liquids for the sustainable transformation of levulinic acid to gamma-valerolactone (GVL)}, journal = {Current Opinion in Green and Sustainable Chemistry}, volume = {35}, year = {2022}, month = {JUN}, pages = {100607}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

This short review is focused on recent findings on the role of ionic liquids (ILs) in catalysing the hydrogenation of levulinic acid (LA) to gamma valerolactone (GVL), which is a cascade reaction involving more than one type of reaction. A brief introduction on green aspects of IL as a catalyst followed by various types of ILs being used for hydrogenation of LA to GVL are discussed. The unique characteristics of ILs responsible for hydrogenation reaction are also explained along with the current and upcoming scenario of IL catalysed hydrogenation of LA to GVL.

}, keywords = {Biomass, Gamma valerolactone, Hydrogenation, Ionic liquid, levulinic acid}, issn = {2452-2236}, doi = {10.1016/j.cogsc.2022.100607}, author = {Kondawar, Sharda and Rode, Chandrashekhar} } @article {48104, title = {Process development for crystalline xylitol production from corncob biomass by Pichia caribbica}, journal = {Food and Bioproducts Processing}, volume = {133}, year = {2022}, month = {MAY}, pages = {45-56}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Xylitol, a commodity chemical, is widely used in nutraceutical and pharmaceutical formulations. Microbial xylitol production is a promising alternative to mitigate current industrial practice issues and offers an environment-friendly sustainable conversion route. This study demonstrates a bioprocess for xylitol production from corncob using a mesophilic yeast Pichia caribbica. Corncob was hydrolyzed by dilute acid and steam explosion to recover fermentable xylose and used as the feed for xylitol production. Activated carbon treatment (3\% w/v) completely removed the biomass-derived inhibitors furfural and hydroxymethyl furfural from the liquid hydrolysate. The fermenting yeast Pichia caribbica produced 124.1 +/- 0.45 g/L xylitol from the detoxified and concentrated corncob hydrolysate with a high yield of 0.80 +/- 0.02 g/g. The crystallized xylitol with 96.5\% purity demonstrated no harmful effects on the cell line used as a control for the in-vitro toxicity studies. This proof of concept can be applied to help scale up for bio-refinery-based large-scale production of xylitol from corncob biomass.(c) 2022 Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Biomass, Corncob, Detoxification, Fermentation, Toxicity analysis, xylitol}, issn = {0960-3085}, doi = {10.1016/j.fbp.2022.02.006}, author = {Dasgupta, Diptarka and Sidana, Arushdeep and Sarkar, Bipul and More, Snehal and Ghosh, Debashish and Bhaskar, Thallada and Ray, Anjan} } @article {47992, title = {Recent developments in the applications of biomass-derived sulfonated carbonaceous solid acid catalysts}, journal = {Helvetica Chimica Acta}, volume = {105}, year = {2022}, month = {AUG}, pages = {e202200032}, type = {Review}, abstract = {

Recently, carbon-based materials are gaining a lot of attraction. It is considered as an emerging area of research and has gained significant importance as an efficient catalyst/material in various fields. Biomass is abundantly available, cheap and a renewable carbon resource. Sulfonated carbonaceous solid acid catalyst can be derived by sulfonation of various sources of biomass such as sugars, lignin, fruit waste, agro-waste, bio-char, etc. Sulfonated carbonaceous solid acid catalysts can be used as a substitute to liquid acids. These catalysts possess a stable carbon skeleton and are insoluble in almost all organic solvents as well as under acidic/basic conditions. This review covers details about biomass-derived sulfonated carbonaceous solid acid catalysts and its catalytic activities in many important transformations such as hydrolysis of cellulose, synthesis of biodiesel, synthesis of various important chemicals and for various organic transformations.

}, keywords = {Biodiesel, Biomass, cellulose, Hydrolysis, sulfonated carbonaceous solid acid catalyst}, issn = {0018-019X}, doi = {10.1002/hlca.202200032}, author = {Kirdant, Swapnali P. and Tamboli, Asma T. Biradar and Jadhav, Vrushali H.} } @article {48915, title = {Development of multipurpose biomass-derived adsorbents using Coccinia grandis for removal of contaminants}, journal = {Clean Technologies and Environmental Policies }, volume = {25}, year = {2023}, month = {DEC}, pages = {3393-3405}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The present study is an attempt to develop newer multipurpose biomass-derived adsorbents for water and wastewater treatment; biomass that are easily available, renewable and most importantly, sustainable. A model adsorbent was developed using Coccinia grandis (CG, Ivy gourd) and further modified by impregnating copper nanoparticles (CG-Cu). The adsorbent characterization was done for evaluating surface morphology, surface area and metal modification. The utility of the newer adsorbents was established for the removal of different contaminants such as dyes (cationic Malachite Green, anionic Congo Red and fluorescent cationic Rhodamine B), Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient pollutant (Ciprofloxacin) and also for the removal of pathogenic bacteria, Gram-negative Escherichia coli. Both CG and CG-Cu bio-nanocomposite were highly effective in removal of different contaminants, 99\% dye removal for Malachite Green, with a high adsorption capacity of 49 mg/g, higher than that for commercial activated charcoal whereas for all other dyes, the performance of CG-Cu was similar. The isotherm studies indicated multilayer adsorption, in general. A good adsorption capacity of 10.8 mg/g was also observed for the removal of ciprofloxacin. The combined effect of the bio-nanocomposite, CG-Cu was impressive and 100\% disinfection was achieved within 10 min, due to the antimicrobial activity of Cu and oxidation effect of reactive oxygen species enhancing the disinfection.Graphical abstractMultipurpose biomass derived adsorbents using Coccinia grandis for removal of contaminants

}, keywords = {Adsorption, Biomass, Disinfection, dye removal, nanomaterial, Separation}, issn = {1618-954X}, doi = {10.1007/s10098-023-02598-w}, author = {Raj, Surabhi S. and Mane, Maya B. and Thanekar, Pooja and Balapure, Kshama and Bhandari, Vinay M.} } @article {48768, title = {Selective oxidation of 5-HMF to DFF over alkali promoted Mn nanocomposite}, journal = {Applied Catalysis A-General}, volume = {659}, year = {2023}, month = {JUN}, pages = {119180}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Various compositions of Cs promoted Mn catalysts were synthesized and investigated for selective oxidation of 5HMF to DFF, among which Mn-Cs(80:20) was found to be most efficient giving 91 \% conversion of 5-HMF and 99 \% selectivity to DFF. Detail characterization like N2-sorption, BET surface area, TG-DTA, XRD, XPS, FE-SEM-EDX, TEM, HR-TEM, CO2-TPD, H2-TPR, O2-TPO, FTIR, Raman spectra and CH3OH-IR were done to establish structureactivity correlation. Enhanced surface area, porosity, thermal stability, dual morphologies were observed due to inclusion of Cs in Mn lattice domain which further enhanced the crystallinity, and oxygen diffusion on the surface. Mixed morphologies comprising nanoparticles (4-5 nm) and nanocubes (50-60 nm) were observed with enhanced redox potential and reduced work function due to weakening of Mn-O bonds. Significant increase in the basicity of catalyst, interfacial redox properties and lattice oxygen led to highly efficient oxidation of 5-HMF to DFF via Mars-van Krevelen mechanism at relatively milder conditions i.e. T = 90 degrees C and PO2= 200 psig. The catalyst was easily recyclable up to 7 times with minor loss in activity which was regenerated heat treatment protocol.

}, keywords = {5-HMF, Biomass, heterogeneous catalyst, polyurethane, Selective oxidation}, issn = {0926-860X}, doi = {10.1016/j.apcata.2023.119180}, author = {Solanki, Bhanupratap Singh and Roh, Hyun-Seog and V. Rode, Chandrashekhar} } @article {49257, title = {Biocatalysis enables the scalable conversion of biobased furans into various furfurylamines}, journal = {NATURE COMMUNICATIONS}, volume = {15}, year = {2024}, month = {JUL }, type = {Journal Article}, keywords = {Biomass, OMEGA-TRANSAMINASE, OXIDASE, Reductive amination, SPECIFICITY}, doi = {10.1038/s41467-024-50637-x}, author = {Giri, Pritam and Lim, Seonga and Khobragade, Taresh P. and Pagar, Amol D. and Patil, Mahesh D. and Sarak, Sharad and Jeon, Hyunwoo and Joo, Sangwoo and Goh, Younghwan and Jung, Seohee and Jang, Yu-Jeong and Choi, Seung Beom and Kim, Ye Chan and Kang, Taek Jin and Heo, Yong-Seok and Yun, Hyungdon} } @article {48918, title = {Efficient synthesis of a monomer for bioplastic-FDCA using glucose-HTC catalyst and pinnick oxidation from HMF \& fructose}, journal = {Catalysis Letters}, volume = {154}, year = {2024}, month = {FEB}, pages = {718-724}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

An efficient solvent mediated \& use of metal-free catalyst strategy was developed for synthesis of FDCA over two steps. A simple \& economical glucose-hydrothermally carbonized (Glu-HTC) catalyst was prepared and evaluated for synthesis of 2,5-Diformyl furan (DFF) from fructose \& 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) in the 1(st) step. DFF was then converted to FDCA using Pinnick oxidation in the 2(nd) step. DFF was obtained in 82\% \& 86\% yields from fructose \& HMF respectively whereas FDCA was obtained in 94-95\% yield from DFF. FDCA was thus formed in an overall yield of 78\% and 81\% from fructose \& HMF respectively. This strategy eliminated use of expensive noble metals for FDCA synthesis and also intermediates such as HMFCA \& FFCA were not observed after the reaction as DFF was completely oxidized to FDCA.

}, keywords = {2, 5-Diformyl furan (DFF), 5-Furandicarboxylic acid, Biomass, D-fructose}, issn = {1011-372X}, doi = {10.1007/s10562-023-04308-z}, author = {Kirdant, Swapnali P. P. and Bankar, Shubham R. R. and Jadhav, Vrushali H. H.} } @article {49201, title = {Hydrogen evolution via photocatalytic reforming of biomass with palladium nanoparticles decorated g-C3N4 nanosheets}, journal = {Renewable Energy}, volume = {230}, year = {2024}, month = {SEP}, pages = {120811}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Fossil fuel depletion and environmental toxins have made photocatalytic H2 production of paramount significance. A novel and unique technique for producing sustainable H2 and valorizing biomass using infinite solar energy is biomass photoreformation. Nevertheless, this environmentally friendly method is usually linked to severe reaction circumstances, insufficient selectivity, and restricted biomass conversion. Here, we present a novel one-pot photoreformation technique over porous g-C3N4 nanosheets surface-modified with Pd nano- particles to convert D-glucose to H2. By stacking the g-C3N4 photocatalyst into a 2D nanosheet structure, some of its inherent drawbacks can be mitigated. Furthermore, the inclusion of noble metal nanoparticles in these g-C3N4 nanosheet structures could significantly boost existing photocatalytic activity. The majority of solar radiation is composed of visible light, which makes up 45\% of it, and ultraviolet light, which makes up 5\%. Therefore, our focus has been on utilizing abundant visible light to facilitate biomass reformation. After 4 h of continuous irradiation, our composite photocatalyst exhibited exceptional visible light activity; its H2 evolution was 1839.84 mu molg- 1h- 1 , or about 27 times higher than that of undoped g-C3N4 nanosheets. The effectiveness of three different Pd loadings on g-C3N4 nanosheets for glucose reforming was examined. In the quest for an improved H2 evolution visible light active photocatalyst, g-C3N4 nanosheets made at various pyrolysis temperatures loaded with optimized Pd weight percentage were also examined.

}, keywords = {Biomass, D -glucose, g-C 3 N 4 nanosheets, Hydrogen evolution, palladium nanoparticles, Photocatalytic reforming}, issn = {0960-1481}, doi = {10.1016/j.renene.2024.120811}, author = {Thara, Chinnu R. and Walko, Priyanka S. and Mathew, Beena} } @article {49503, title = {Upcycling solid wastes: using abundant egg shell wastes for the greener production of lactic acid under ambient conditions}, journal = {Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering}, volume = {13}, year = {2025}, month = {APR}, pages = {115603}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In this study, we explore a sustainable approach to repurposing eggshell waste as a catalyst for the conversion of biomass-derived sucrose, sugar syrup, xylan, and cellulose into lactic acid, a chemical in high demand. Currently, lactic acid is industrially produced using lactic acid bacteria (LAB), which require precise pH control and temperature maintenance, complicating their application. Our work demonstrates a one-pot synthesis of lactic acid using calcined eggshells in an aqueous medium via simple thermal treatment. Comprehensive characterization of the eggshell catalyst was carried out using techniques such as XRD, BET, FT-IR, FE-SEM, XPS, and TGA, revealing that calcination above 700 degrees C transformed the eggshell into CaO, drastically altering its morphology and enhancing its basicity. At 200 degrees C, using 70 wt\% of catalyst for 1 h, we achieved a remarkable 92 C-mol\% lactic acid yield with excellent carbon balance. The increased basicity played a key role in selectively driving lactic acid production. Our approach offers a green, sustainable solution with significant implications for future research in valorizing waste materials and advancing bio-based chemical production.

}, keywords = {Biomass, Lactic acid, Sustainability, Waste egg shell, Waste-to- chemicals}, issn = {2213-2929}, doi = {10.1016/j.jece.2025.115603}, author = {Sreekantan, Sreejith and Sudhakaran, Amitha Kalappurakkal and Marimuthu, Banu} }