Utilization of chitin and shrimp shell for selective acetic acid production using aluminum salts in aqueous media

In this paper, an alkali-free route for the conversion of chitin and shrimp shell to acetic acid (AA) using aluminum salts in aqueous media was reported for the first time. The proposed method demonstrated several advantages, including simplicity, effectiveness, and superior environmental and economic benefits compared to previous approaches. Notably, it achieved a significant breakthrough in the yields of AA derived from chitin and shrimp shells. Under the optimal conditions, the yield of AA reached the maximum value of 81.4 %. Combined with theoretical calculation and characterization, a possible transformation mechanism was proposed, and it was proved that the presence of aluminum salts would change the main reaction pathway and participate in the preparation of AA in the form of polymers. This study provided a novel idea for the resource utilization of chitin and waste shell materials into valuable chemicals and also for the treatment of environmental pollution.