Acidities and catalytic activities of persulfonated poly(styrene-co-divinylbenzene) ion-exchange resins

A series of macroporous sulfonated poly(styrene-co-divinylbenzene) ion-exchange resins with varying levels of sulfonation have been prepared. The acidities of these resins have been measured calorimetrically by ammonia sorption. Catalytic activities have been measured in two liquid-phase reactions: the dehydration of 1-hexanol under flow conditions and the hydration of propene as a batch process. The molar enthalpies of ammonia sorption show that the strength of the acid sites increases as the level of sulfonation is increased; catalytic activities follow the same trend. The most active resins are those that have been sulfonated at levels above one sulfonic acid group per aromatic ring (persulfonated). These persulfonated resins also show higher thermal stabilities than conventional resins (sulfonated at just below one acid group per aromatic ring)

Biomass Based Energy Intermediates Boosting Bio-Fuel Production-Bioboost

To increase the share of biomass for renewable energy in Europe conversion pathways which are economic, flexible in feedstock and energy efficient are needed. The BioBoost project concentrates on dry and wet residual biomass and wastes as feedstock for de-central conversion by fast pyrolysis, catalytic pyrolysis and hydrothermal carbonization to the intermediate energy carriers oil, coal or slurry. Based on straw the energy density increases from 2 to 20-31 GJ/m3, enabling central GW scale gasification plants for bio-fuel production. The catalytic pyrolysis reduces oxygenates in the oil enabling power and refinery applications. The fast pyrolysis and HTC processes of demo-size are optimized for feedstock flexibility, yield, quality and further up-scaling is studied. A logistic model for feedstock supply and connection of de-central with central conversion is set up and validated allowing the determination of costs, the number and location of de-central and central sites. Techno/economic and environmental assessment of the value chain supports the optimization of products and processes