Direct conversion of cellobiose into sorbitol and catalyst deactivation mechanism

Ru/C catalyst and extremely low phosphoric acid were used for direct conversion of cellobiose into sorbitol under hydrogen atmosphere. Effects of various parameters and catalyst reuse on the reaction performance were investigated in detail. An optimized sorbitol yield of 87.1% was attained at 458 K and 3 MPa H2 for 1 h with catalyst usage of 15% in 0.05 wt.% phosphoric acid. The physicochemical properties of used Ru/C catalysts were characterized with various techniques to explore the specific causes for deactivation.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► A feasible catalytic process was proposed for conversion of cellobiose into sorbitol.
► The reaction system was of high efficiency and environmentally friendly.
► The specific inactivation process of Ru/C catalyst was investigated in detail.