Optimization of furfural and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural production from wheat straw by a microwave-assisted process

Optimization of acid-catalyzed conversion conditions of wheat straw into furfural, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), glucose, and xylose was studied by response surface methodology (RSM). A central composite design (CCD) was used to determine the effects of independent variables, including reaction temperature (140–200 °C), residence time (1–41 min), pH (0.1–2.1), and liquid:solid ratio (15–195 mL/g) on furan and sugar production. The surface response analysis revealed that temperature, time and pH had a strong influence on the furfural, HMF, xylose and glucose yield, whereas liquid to solid ratio was found not to be significant. The initial pH of solution was the most important variable in acid-catalyzed conversion of wheat straw to furans. The maximum predicted furfural, HMF, xylose and glucose yields were 66%, 3.4%, 100%, and 65%, respectively. This study demonstrated that the microwave-assisted process was a very effective method for the xylose production from wheat straw by diluted acid catalysis.

► Acid-catalyzed conversion conditions of wheat straw was optimized by RSM.
► Temperature, time, initial pH and liquid to solid were independent variables studied.
► Initial pH was the most important variable in conversion of wheat straw to furfural.
► Maximum furfural, HMF, xylose and glucose yield were 66%, 3.4%, 100%, and 65%, respectively.
► Microwave-based heating is an effective method for saccharification of wheat straw.