Ball Billing Induced Highly Dispersed Nano-MgO in Biochar for Glucose Isomerization at Low Temperatures

A biochar catalyst with nano-MgO was developed using ball milling and pyrolysis, achieving 32.5% fructose yield from glucose at low temperatures. This catalyst is more efficient and reusable compared to traditional methods, offering a sustainable solution for biomass conversion to valuable chemicals.

July 15, 2024

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Xu, et al (2024) Ball billing induced highly dispersed nano-MgO in biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More for glucose isomerization at low temperatures. *Bioresource Technology*. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2024.131071

A recent study in Bioresource Technology highlights a new method for converting glucose to fructose using a biochar-based catalyst enhanced with nano-sized magnesium oxide (MgO). The catalyst is created from rice straw using a solvent-free ball milling process followed by pyrolysisPyrolysis is a thermochemical process that converts waste biomass into bio-char, bio-oil, and pyro-gas. It offers significant advantages in waste valorization, turning low-value materials into economically valuable resources. Its versatility allows for tailored products based on operational conditions, presenting itself as a cost-effective and efficient More under nitrogen. This innovative method results in highly dispersed MgO within the biochar, significantly improving the efficiency of glucose isomerization at relatively low temperatures.

In the study, the researchers achieved a fructose yield of 31% at 50°C and 32.5% at 60°C, surpassing the performance of traditional catalysts. The enhanced performance is attributed to the smaller crystallite size of MgO and its even distribution within the biochar. This structure allows for a more effective conversion process with low activation energy, making the reaction more efficient and sustainable.

Additionally, the catalyst demonstrated robust reusability, maintaining its activity through at least five cycles without degradation. This presents a significant advantage over traditional glucose isomerase enzymes, which are costly and have shorter lifespans.

This new catalyst offers a promising alternative for biomassBiomass is a complex biological organic or non-organic solid product derived from living or recently living organism and available naturally. Various types of wastes such as animal manure, waste paper, sludge and many industrial wastes are also treated as biomass because like natural biomass these More conversion, potentially leading to more sustainable and cost-effective production methods for chemicals and fuels derived from renewable resources. The findings also underscore the importance of exploring mechanical methods like ball milling for developing high-performance catalytic materials.