Catalytic Acid Hydrolysis of Biomass: Sustainable Routes to Levulinic Acid and HMF

Objective: This work evaluated the technical feasibility of acid hydrolysis processes of biomass (polysaccharides), particularly starch, for the production of Hydroxymethylfurfural, used in the manufacture of bioplastics, solvents, and chemical intermediates, and Levulinic Acid, applied in the synthesis of green fuels, food additives, and pharmaceutical products. Theoretical Framework: The basic theory of heterogeneous chemical kinetics was applied, integrating concepts of catalysis as a tool to reduce the activation energy of reactions, along with essential principles of chemical engineering, such as mass conservation. Method: The study involved collecting operational data from a bench-scale setup, followed by the formulation of mathematical models based on mass conservation and chemical reaction kinetics, utilizing data analysis principles to describe the observed phenomena. Results and Discussion: The study demonstrated that the conversion of biomass into the desired products (HMF and Levulinic Acid) is technically feasible. Research Implications: With the technical feasibility of the reaction confirmed, it is possible to propose its scale-up for application in industrial processes, using biomass as a raw material, offering an alternative to the current petrochemical-based route. Originality/Value: This study provides a foundation for the development of an industrial chemical process aimed at producing two intermediates for the chemical industry, utilizing a biomass-based pathway.