Conversion of cellulose into valuable chemicals using sulfonated amorphous carbon in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride

In this study, three carbon-based solid acid catalysts were prepared via the one-step hydrothermal procedure using glucose and Bronsted acid, including sulfuric acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, or hydrochloric acid. The as-synthesized catalysts were tested for their ability to convert cellulose into valuable chemicals. The effects of Bronsted acidic catalyst, catalyst loading, solvent, temperature, time, and reactor on the reaction were investigated. The as-synthesized C-H2SO4 catalyst containing Bronsted acid sites (-SO3H, -OH, and -COOH functional groups) demonstrated high activity in the transformation of cellulose into valuable chemicals with the yield of total products of 88.17% including 49.79% LA in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([EMIM]Cl) solvent at 120 degrees C in 24 h. The recyclability and stability of C-H2SO4 were also observed. A proposed mechanism of cellulose conversion into valuable chemicals in the presence of C-H2SO4 was presented. The current method could provide a feasible approach for the conversion of cellulose into valuable chemicals.

Automated summary

In this study, three carbon-based solid acid catalysts were prepared using glucose and Bronsted acid. The catalysts were tested for their ability to convert cellulose into valuable chemicals. The as-synthesized C-H2SO4 catalyst showed high activity and yield in converting cellulose into valuable chemicals in the presence of [EMIM]Cl solvent at 120 degrees C in 24 h. The proposed mechanism for cellulose conversion was also presented.