Análise do mercado e tecnologias para produção de ácido glucônico e ácido glucárico via catálise heterogênea

Abstract

The glucaric acid market is projected to reach $1.41 billion by 2028, driven by its versatile applications in industries such as food, personal care, and pharmaceuticals. It is obtained directly from glucose or from gluconic acid using heterogeneous catalysts. The gluconic acid market is estimated to be at $1.9 billion in 2028 and is used as an additive in the food industry to regulate acidity and in the cleaning product industry. This study explores the market potential of gluconic and glucaric acids, providing a critical assessment of heterogeneous catalysts, technologies, and process operating conditions using glucose as the raw material. The oxidation of glucose was evaluated in a one-pot reaction to produce glucaric acid and in a two-step partial oxidation, yielding gluconic acid in the first step. It was found that gluconic acid can be easily obtained using catalysts containing gold (Au) as the active phase, supported on carbon materials or various oxides, achieving yields close to 100% under strongly basic conditions (pH ≥ 9) and mild temperature and pressure conditions. The one-pot reaction from glucose to glucaric acid occurs on catalysts containing platinum (Pt) on various supports, at a slightly basic pH (pH = 7.2), high oxygen partial pressures (PO2 ≥ 10 bar), and temperatures between 353 and 373K, with yields of up to 82%, accompanied by the formation of other lower-value-added acids. It is suggested that the production process of glucaric acid may have higher efficiency and cost-effectiveness if two reactors in series are used. The first reactor would facilitate the partial oxidation of glucose to gluconic acid, and the second reactor would be involved in the production of glucaric acid.