Enhanced hydrogenolysis conversion of cellulose to C2–C3 polyols via alkaline pretreatment

Alkaline pretreatment was applied to enhance hydrogenolysis conversion of cellulose to C2–C3 polyols. The alkali cellulose was obtained by treating cellulose with different concentration of NaOH solution. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) results indicate that the cleavage of cellulose chains occurs and the amorphous part is increased after alkaline treatment, which means the alkali cellulose has more accessible structure. Moreover, the absorbed NaOH crystal in alkali cellulose could make the further reaction perform in weak basic condition. When hydrogenolysis of alkali cellulose over Ru/C was conducted at 433 K, 59.23% of the substrate was converted with 1,2-propanediol and ethylene glycol as main products, whereas the corresponding conversion rate of untreated cellulose was 25.05% and no C2–C3 polyols were detected. These preliminary results suggested the advantages of activating the cellulose by alkaline pretreatment and potentials for efficient conversion of cellulose. Finally the plausible mechanism was also discussed.