Catalytic Conversion of Cassava Residues to Ethylene Glycol Via a One-Pot Hydrothermal Reaction

Cassava residue was proposed as a raw material for the production of ethylene glycol (EG) via a one-pot hydrothermal reaction in the present study. Various mixed catalysts consisting of activated carbon supported Ru (Ru/AC) and a tungsten species were used for the conversion of cassava residues, and the effects of various reaction conditions on the catalytic performance were investigated. When the reaction was carried out at 245 °C for 60 min, the Ru/AC–H 2 WO 4 mixed catalyst showed a EG yield of 53.1 % with a total polyols yield of 80 %, which was confirmed to be the most active among the prepared catalysts. The excellent catalytic performance using cassava residue as the feedstock mainly resulted from a high content of carbohydrates and a low amount of lignin in cassava residues. Furthermore, the Ru/AC–H 2 WO 4 catalyst also showed reasonable stability during the hydrothermal conversion of cassava residues for EG production.