Catalytic conversion of glucose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) using nano-POM/nano-ZrO2/nano-γ-Al2O3

An efficient process for the conversion of glucose into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) was studied in various solvents. Nano-POM/nano-ZrO2/nano-gamma-Al2O3 catalysts were prepared and characterized by N-2 physical adsorption, FTIR, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopic techniques. The reaction time, reaction temperature and catalyst reuse cycle toward the reaction performance were investigated in detail. An HMF yield of 60.1% was achieved at 190 degrees C for 4 h. (C) 2014 Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.