INS STUDY OF CELLULOSE ON A SELF-SI-DOPED SULFONATED CARBON DERIVED FROM EMPTY FRUIT BUNCHES - MAPS

Cellulose, a key component of lignocellulosic biomass, is a promising feedstock for sustainable fuel production. Ethyl levulinate (EL), a valuable derivative, serves as a non-toxic, eco-friendly biofuel additive with excellent lubricating properties and a stable flash point. Direct conversion of cellulose to EL using Brønsted acid catalysts is efficient, but current methods often result in low yields. In this study, we developed a self-silicon-doped sulfonated carbon catalyst (self-Si-SC) derived from palm oil empty fruit bunches, utilizing their inherent silicon content. The catalyst, prepared via pyrolysis and sulfonation, achieved a high EL yield of 59.24 mol%, significantly outperforming prior reports (7.5–42.8 mol%). FTIR and XPS analyses confirmed the successful incorporation of sulfonic groups through Si–O–S or Si–S bonds, with an –SO₃H density of 0.6 mmol/g. The improved performance is attributed to synergistic effects between the sulfonic groups and self-doped silicon, enhancing reactivity and reducing humin formation. To further investigate the reaction mechanism, we propose using inelastic neutron scattering (INS) spectroscopy, which provides insights into molecular vibrations and catalyst–substrate interactions. This approach will help identify key intermediates and elucidate the pathway of cellulose conversion to EL, contributing to the development of more efficient and sustainable catalytic systems.