Efficient formation of C3 and C4 hydrocarbons from cellulose over Pt/Mg-doped ZrO2 catalysts without hydrogen addition†

At low temperatures, C₃ and C₄ hydrocarbons (equivalent to propane gas) were produced using only water, a solid catalyst, and cellulose, employing no enzymes or expensive, valuable hydrogen. High C₃ + C₄ yields were achieved using a catalyst doped with Mg as a base site in ZrO₂, which has Lewis acid and base properties, supported with Pt, which has high hydrocarbon production capacity. After screening and characterisation of this catalyst using various values of parameters such as the amount of Mg doping and the amount of Pt loading, findings indicated that 1 wt% Pt caused moderate decarbonylation and dehydration, and that the Zr_0.5Mg_0.5O_2−δ support promoted cellulose degradation by its Lewis acid–base properties. The reaction mechanism was investigated, clarifying the C₃ and C₄ hydrocarbon formation mechanisms.