The effect of phenolic compounds on the preparation of hydrochars from saccharides

In this work, a green and sustainable route for the preparation of hydrochars from sulfuric acid hydrolysis solution of saccharides and phenolic compounds under low temperature and atmospheric pressure is described. Xylose, fructose, and glucose were chosen as a model compound of pentose and hexose, respectively. Phenol, resorcinol, and phloroglucinol were chosen as a model compound of phenolic compounds. The effects of the different species and concentration of phenolic compounds on the yield of hydrochars and the conversion rate of carbon were investigated in detail. The maximal yield of hydrochars (63.76%) and conversion rate of carbon (93.15%) were obtained when the mass ratio of resorcinol to xylose was 1:5. The chemical properties and elemental composition of the hydrochar materials were characterized by means of different experimental techniques. The reaction mechanism for the formation of hydrochars from saccharides and phenolic compounds were proposed, and the effects of phenolic compounds on the reaction were discussed in detail. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2015