Efficient synthesis of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid from corncob biomass using Ru/C and sulfonated carbon catalysts in a one-pot system

This study proposes a novel one-pot method to produce 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), which effectively simplifies the preparation process of FDCA by directly utilizing the biomass raw material corncob and its derived carbon-based catalysts. In this work, we first prepared two different carbon-based catalysts from corncobs: a ruthenium-supported catalyst (Ru/C) and a sulfonated carbon catalyst. After detailed characterization and performance testing, these two catalysts were used to catalyze the pretreated corncob mixture to produce FDCA. Under optimized conditions, even using 0.12 g of Ru/C catalyst at a microwave power of 200 W, the yield of FDCA can reach 27 mol%. In comparison, the FDCA yield of the sulfonated carbon catalyst under the same conditions was 19 mol%. This work not only demonstrates the possibility of efficient production of FDCA by utilizing biomass resources and a simplified chemical conversion process, but also highlights the importance of selecting appropriate catalysts and controlling reaction conditions in improving yields. Through this method, we can promote the development of biomass conversion technology in a more efficient and environmentally friendly direction, providing technical support for the commercial production of bio-based chemicals.