ISIS Neutron and Muon Source Data Journal

INS STUDY OF CELLULOSE ON A SELF-SI-DOPED SULFONATED CARBON DERIVED FROM EMPTY FRUIT BUNCHES - MAPS

Abstract: Cellulose, a key component of lignocellulosic biomass, is a promising feedstock for sustainable fuel production. Ethyl levulinate (EL), a valuable derivative, serves as a non-toxic, eco-friendly biofuel additive with excellent lubricating properties and a stable flash point. Direct conversion of cellulose to EL using Brønsted acid catalysts is efficient, but current methods often result in low yields. In this study, we developed a self-silicon-doped sulfonated carbon catalyst (self-Si-SC) derived from palm oil empty fruit bunches, utilizing their inherent silicon content. The catalyst, prepared via pyrolysis and sulfonation, achieved a high EL yield of 59.24 mol%, significantly outperforming prior reports (7.5?42.8 mol%). FTIR and XPS analyses confirmed the successful incorporation of sulfonic groups through Si?O?S or Si?S bonds, with an ?SO?H density of 0.6 mmol/g. The improved performance is attributed to synergistic effects between the sulfonic groups and self-doped silicon, enhancing reactivity and reducing humin formation. To further investigate the reaction mechanism, we propose using inelastic neutron scattering (INS) spectroscopy, which provides insights into molecular vibrations and catalyst?substrate interactions. This approach will help identify key intermediates and elucidate the pathway of cellulose conversion to EL, contributing to the development of more efficient and sustainable catalytic systems.

Principal Investigator: Miss Riyani Tri Yulianti
Experimenter: Professor Stewart Parker
Local Contact: Dr Hamish Cavaye
Experimenter: Dr Indri Badria Adilina
Experimenter: Professor Rike Yudianti

DOI: 10.5286/ISIS.E.RB2520399

ISIS Experiment Number: RB2520399

Publisher: STFC ISIS Neutron and Muon Source

Data format: RAW/Nexus
Select the data format above to find out more about it.

Data Citation

The recommended format for citing this dataset in a research publication is as:
[author], [date], [title], [publisher], [doi]

For Example:
Miss Riyani Tri Yulianti et al; (2026): INS STUDY OF CELLULOSE ON A SELF-SI-DOPED SULFONATED CARBON DERIVED FROM EMPTY FRUIT BUNCHES - MAPS, STFC ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, https://doi.org/10.5286/ISIS.E.RB2520399

Data is released under the CC-BY-4.0 license.