The Dark Side of Biomass Valorization: A Laboratory Experiment To Understand Humin Formation, Catalysis, and Green Chemistry

This laboratory experiment introduces students to an important reaction in biomass valorization and allows them to gain a practical understanding of green chemistry. Acid-catalyzed dehydration reactions of fructose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and thus humins were performed both with and without aqueous solvent, along with two different catalysts (Amberlyst-15 and alumina). Students were able to compare and analyze the effects of these different conditions using thin-layer chromatography, while grasping concepts of catalysis and circular economy. By observing the formation of humins under some of the reactions tested, the students could evidence systems thinking in humin valorization.