The photocatalytic preparation of ethanolamine and ethylenediamine from biomass polyols is an innovative and attractive approach in the field of catalysis. The following is a detailed overview of this process:

Background

Biomass-derived polyols, such as those obtained from vegetable oils or other renewable sources, have significant potential as feedstocks for the production of high-value-added chemicals. Ethanolamine and ethylenediamine are important industrial chemicals with wide applications in various fields, including surfactants, polymers, and pharmaceuticals.

Photocatalytic Process

1. Catalyst:

• The key to the photocatalytic process is the Cu/TiO2 catalyst. This catalyst combines the photocatalytic properties of TiO2 with the catalytic activity of Cu clusters.

• TiO2 is a well-known photocatalyst that can absorb light and generate photogenerated holes and electrons. Cu clusters, on the other hand, facilitate the reductive amination step by promoting hydrogen transfer.

2. Reaction Mechanism:

• Under light irradiation, TiO2 generates photogenerated holes and electrons.

• The photogenerated holes promote the retro-aldol C-C bond cleavage or oxidative dehydrogenation of polyols.

• The photogenerated electrons accumulate on small-sized Cu clusters, facilitating the reductive amination via hydrogen transfer and preventing the generation of H2.

3. Process Conditions:

• The reaction is typically conducted at room temperature.

• It is a one-pot process that involves both photocatalytic polyol C-C bond cleavage and reductive amination in a tandem manner.

• The catalyst allows the selective conversion of various biomass polyols and amines.

4. Product Yield:

• The reported yield of ethanolamine and ethylenediamine from biomass polyols using the Cu/TiO2 catalyst is around 60%.

Advantages and Applications

1. Advantages:

• The process is environmentally friendly and utilizes renewable biomass resources.

• It operates under mild conditions (room temperature), reducing energy consumption.

• The Cu/TiO2 catalyst is non-noble metal-based, making it more cost-effective than traditional noble metal catalysts.

2. Applications:

• The produced ethanolamine and ethylenediamine can be used in various industrial applications, such as in the production of surfactants, polymers, and pharmaceuticals.

• The process can also be adapted for the conversion of other biomass-derived feedstocks, expanding its potential applications.

Conclusion

The photocatalytic preparation of ethanolamine and ethylenediamine from biomass polyols using a Cu/TiO2 catalyst is a promising approach for the sustainable production of high-value-added chemicals. It combines the advantages of renewable feedstocks, mild reaction conditions, and cost-effective catalysis. Further research is needed to optimize the catalyst performance and explore potential industrial applications of this process.