ZrO2 modified sulfonated charcoal-based catalysts for hydrolysis of biomass sugars and agricultural residues

Furfural and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural obtained from sugars can be transformed into various chemicals. Conversion of sugars to furfural and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural are the typical reactions for the biomass feedstock transformation. In this study, a charcoal-based catalyst with acidic sites of Lewis and Brønsted acids was prepared to achieve an effective conversion of biomass sugars (xylose, glucose, and fructose) to furan compounds. By loading zirconium dioxide on the charcoal-based materials and then sulfonating it, the Lewis and Brønsted acids in the prepared solid acidic catalyst can be regulated to a suitable ratio. Under the optimal reaction condition, the furfural yield from xylose was 94.9 %, and the 5-hydroxymethylfurfural yields from glucose and fructose were 72.2 % and 99.9 %, respectively. Furthermore, a variety of sugars and agricultural wastes can be transformed into the corresponding furfural and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural in satisfactory yields over the catalyst.