In-situ mass spectroscopic analysis of glucose decomposition under hydrothermal condition: Quantitative analysis for reaction kinetics

Abstract

Quantitative in-situ analysis by mass spectroscopic (MS) method was developed and designed in order to elucidate the decomposition kinetics of glucose under hydrothermal conditions. Briefly, the proposed methodology employed a quadrupole mass analyzer coupled with a tubular batch reactor via custom-built connection fittings. At first, the hydrothermal treatment of glucose was conducted at temperatures ranging from 140 to 220 with reaction times between 2.5 min and 20 min. Liquid product obtained after the hydrothermal process was quantitatively analyzed with a mass analyzer and a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analyzer. The in-situ MS analysis revealed that the decomposition rate of glucose was enhanced at higher temperatures. The results also showed the presence of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and other low-molecular-weight acids whose concentrations increased when the temperature increased to 180 and higher. A reaction pathway of glucose was developed, and the reaction rate constants were determined assuming first-order reactions.