Mixed metal carbides for biomass upgrading (MICA4BIO)

• Grant number: 17/50261-6
• Support type: Regular Research Grants
• Duration: July 01, 2018 - June 30, 2021
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Inorganic Chemistry
• Cooperation agreement: Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO)
• Principal researcher: Cristiane Barbieri Rodella
• Grantee: Cristiane Barbieri Rodella
• Principal researcher abroad: Johanes Hendrik Bitter
• Institution abroad: Wageningen University, Netherlands
• Home Institution: Centro Nacional de Pesquisa em Energia e Materiais (CNPEM). Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovações (Brasil). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The research project will focus on the use of Mo and W carbides as replacement for noble metais in the deoxygenation of biomass. Here we propose to investigate how to tune the selectivity and stability of these carbide based catalyst for deoxygenation of triglyceride-based feedstocks. We will answer the following questions: Can the beneficial effects of Mo and W carbide be combined by using mixed carbides. What is the structure of the mixed carbides and how does that relate to catalytic performance. What ls the role of the support on the activity, selectivity and stability of the mixed carbides What is the role of reaction conditions, especially composition of the gas phase and the solvent on the activity, selectivity and stability of the mixed carbides. Which carbide (like) species are present on all these catalysts during reaction and how do they influence the catalytic performance.To answer these questions the strongholds of both groups will be used. The Wageningen group will focus on the preparation of the catalysts and their catalytic performance of deoxygenation of triglyceride feedstocks. The Brazilian group will focus on the in situ and operando characterization of the different catalysts using XRD and X- ray absorption spectroscopy using synchrotron radiation as well as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). (AU)