Influence of Bronsted and Lewis acidity of the modified Al-MCM-41 solid acid on cellulose conversion and 5-hydroxylmethylfurfuran selectivity

The modified Al-MCM-41 solid acids with turning Si/Al molar ratio were successfully fabricated through a hydrothermal route and utilized as a suitable catalyst in the cellulose conversion into 5-hydroxylmethylfurfural (5-HMF). The crystal structure, composition, morphologies and porosity of assynthesized acids were characterized by XRD, FT-IR, N-2 adsorption-desorption, TEM and EDS. The Al-27 MAS NMR and Si-29-MAS NMR results revealed the existence of both Al framework and Al extra framework. Besides, the existence of medium-weak and strong acid sites, according to Bronsted and Lewis acidity, in Al-MCM-41 acids was confirmed by NH3-TPD and FTIR-pyridine adsorption. The 30Al-MCM-41 solid acid (Si/Al molar ratio = 30) exhibited excellent activity with the highest 5-HMF yield of 40.56% compared to other samples. We also discovered that 5-HMF production, as well as cellulose conversion, strongly depended on the total acid, strong/medium-weak acid ratio, as well as Bronsted/Lewis acid ratio. Therefore, these parameters have been considered as essential factors for the design of solid acid for 5-HMF production. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The study successfully prepared Al-MCM-41 solid acids with modified Si/Al molar ratio and utilized them as catalysts for the conversion of cellulose to 5-HMF. Characterization of the synthesized acids revealed the importance of different acid sites in determining the 5-HMF yield.