Catalytic conversion of xylose to furfural over the solid acid SO42-/ZrO2–Al2O3/SBA-15 catalysts

Al-promoted SO42-/ZrO2/SBA-15 catalysts were prepared and characterized by XRD, BET, ICP and NH3–TPD techniques. The influence of introducing aluminum on the structure and surface properties of the catalyst and the catalytic activity for dehydration of xylose to furfural has been investigated. The introduction of the Al stabilizes the tetragonal phase of the ZrO2 and thus increases the number and intensity of acid sites. Based on the characterization of the deactivated catalyst, the accumulation of byproducts is the main reason for the deactivation of the catalyst. Regeneration with H2O2 can completely recover the catalytic activity of the deactivated catalyst.

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► The SO42-/ZrO2–Al2O3/SBA-15 catalysts show excellent catalytic activity.
► After regeneration, the catalytic activity of the used catalysts was completely recovered.
► The loss reaction of furfural caused the deactivation of the catalyst.