University of Groningen
Catalytic transformation of biomass derivatives to value-added chemicals and fuels in
microreactors
Hommes, Arne
DOI:
10.33612/diss.132909253
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Publication date: 2020
Link to publication in University of Groningen/UMCG research database
Citation for published version (APA):
Hommes, A. (2020). Catalytic transformation of biomass derivatives to value-added chemicals and fuels in microreactors. University of Groningen. https://doi.org/10.33612/diss.132909253
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Stellingen
Behorende bij het proefschrift:
Catalytic Transformation of Biomass Derivatives to Value-Added Chemicals and Fuels in Microreactors
Arne Hommes
1. The transition towards an alternative (biobased) economy offers opportunities for the implementation of novel process intensification principles in chemical industry. 2. The local small-scale production of chemicals or fuels in a “micro-biorefinery” could
be a solution to the logistic issue that may arise in the transition towards a biobased economy.
3. Biomass transformations in continuous flow microreactors can give important insights in chemistry, catalytic performance and reactor engineering concepts in the research laboratory, further accelerating technological developments in the field. 4. The consideration of mass transfer effects is often missing in reported kinetic and
catalytic studies. This makes such works less suitable for application in a broad range of reaction systems.
5. Flow visualization is crucial when studying mass transfer and reaction characteristics in multiphase (micro)reactors (Chapters 2, 3 and 5).
6. The 100% selective oxidation of HMF towards DFF, FFCA and FDCA over a homogeneous Co/Mn/Br catalyst under atmospheric pressure conditions (Saha et al., Catal. Sci. Technol., 2012, 2, 79–81) is highly unlikely and should be supported by detailed analytic proof (Chapter 3).
7. Packed bed microreactors enable a cheap and rapid investigation of heterogeneously catalyzed reaction characteristics and catalytic performance. However, they do not offer advantages over conventional packed bed reactors in terms of process intensification (Chapter 4).
8. Biphasic reactions that are (enzymatically) catalyzed on the liquid-liquid interface can greatly benefit from microreactor operation (Chapter 5).
9. “Progress isn't made by early risers. It's made by lazy men trying to find easier ways to do something.” ― Robert Heinlein
10. “Val niet in de valkuil van overmatige verfijning (Don’t fall into the pit of excessive refinement).” – KvdVM
11. Researchers should be encouraged to publicly discuss irreproducible work to prevent biases towards misleading positive results. In this context, “negative” results should become easier to publish so that true and false claims can be more readily distinguished.
