Sn-MFI and Fe-MFI zeolites for fructose conversion to levulinic and lactic acids by the one-pot method

This paper presents the results of the use of MFI zeolite as a catalyst modified with tin and iron. Sn-MFI and Fe-MFI catalysts were obtained by ion exchange under hydrothermal conditions with and without ammonium exchange. Catalytic materials were characterized with the use of analytical techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller method (BET), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy in the ultraviolet-visible range (DRS UV–visible), hydrogen temperature programmed reduction (H₂-TPR), or Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The one-pot catalytic conversion of fructose was performed at 220 °C for 1–5 h. Based on the results, the influence of time and material selection on the products obtained can be seen. Lactic acid (LAC) was obtained with a yield of 68.7% (after 2 h) and levulinic acid (LA) with a yield of 70.9% (after 5 h) with the participation of MFI. In turn, formic acid with a yield of 28.5% (after 5 h) was obtained with the participation of Fe-MFI.