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Conversion of waste lignocellulose to furfural using sulfonated carbon microspheres as catalyst
Xiaoyun Li1, Xuebin Lu2, Min Liang3
1Tianjin Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China.
A new catalytic system using sulfonated carbon microspheres efficiently converts xylose and biomass waste into furfural. This process offers a clean and effective strategy for lignocellulose valorization, achieving high yields from various biomass sources.
Area of Science:
- Biomass Conversion
- Catalysis
- Green Chemistry
Background:
- Valorization of waste lignocellulose is crucial for sustainable chemical production.
- Furfural production from xylose and hemicellulose is a key step in biomass upgrading.
- Efficient and clean catalytic systems are needed for industrial application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a clean and efficient catalytic system for converting xylose and waste lignocellulose to furfural.
- To investigate the role of sulfonated carbon microspheres (CCoS) with tailored acid sites and mesoporous structures.
- To evaluate the system's performance with real biomass feedstocks.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of sulfonated carbon microspheres (CCoS) with Brønsted and Lewis acid sites.
- Hydrothermal process incorporating Cobalt for mesoporous structure enhancement.
- Sulfonation to increase Brønsted acid site density.
- One-pot catalytic conversion of xylose and lignocellulose in a γ-valerolactone/water solvent system.
Main Results:
- Achieved a furfural yield of 75.12% from xylose using CCoS catalyst at 170 °C for 30 min.
- Demonstrated the essential role of SO3H groups for xylose dehydration and mesoporous structures for mass transfer.
- Obtained excellent furfural yields (>70%) from corncob, corn straw, and Eucalyptus sawdust.
Conclusions:
- The developed catalytic system is effective for the one-pot conversion of xylose and biomass to furfural.
- Sulfonated carbon microspheres offer a promising catalyst for lignocellulose valorization.
- This strategy enables efficient furfural production from diverse waste biomass sources.
