Simultaneous utilization of CO and potassium-rich biomass for the environmentally friendly production of potassium formate.

The C chemical species, potassium formate (K(HCO)), known as a two-electron reducing agent, finds application in the synthesis of multi-carbon compounds, including oxalate, and plays a crucial role not only in the food and pharmaceutical industries but also across various sectors. However, the direct hydrogenation of CO to produce K(HCO) remains a challenge. Addressing this issue, efficient production of K(HCO) is achieved by integrating CO hydrogenation in a trickle-bed reactor using a heterogeneous catalyst with a novel separation method that utilizes potassium ions from biomass ash for formic acid derivative product isolation. Through alkaline-mediated CO hydrogenation using -methylpyrrolidine (NMPI), a concentrated 5 M NMPI solution of formic acid -methylpyrrolidine complex ([NMPIH][HCO]) was formed, facilitating the synthesis of K(HCO) with over 99% purity reaction with excess K ions contained within Bamboo ash. Notably, 80% of CO was converted to formate ions, and NMPI was expected to be effectively recycled as it was completely removed during the evaporation process for K(HCO) separation. Additionally, this process yielded SiO by-product particles with sizes ranging from 10 to 20 nm. This research highlights a novel strategy contributing to sustainable environmental management and resource recycling by effectively utilizing CO as a valuable feedstock while concurrently producing valuable chemical compounds from waste materials.