Pore size tuning of functionalized SBA-15 catalysts for the selective production of furfural from xylose

Furfural (FUR) is widely used as an industrial solvent and can be potentially used as building-block to produce added-value products, such as methyltetrahydrofuran (MeTHF) or levulinic acid. It is currently manufactured from pentosan-rich biomass via steam-stripping under homogeneously catalyzed conditions. Alternatives focus on novel process optimization or on the design of heterogeneous water-tolerant Brönsted acids. In this work, functionalized SBA-15 catalysts with controlled textural properties were prepared in order to study their performance during xylose cyclodehydration. The combination of these two procedures allowed to selectively produce FUR from xylose. Preliminary catalyst screening at 140 °C showed a FUR selectivity maxima for the material aged at 100 °C. Moreover, the results revealed a direct influence of the sulfonic load and the reaction temperature on the catalytic performance of SBA-15 samples. Promising results were achieved for the propylsulfonic SBA-15 aged at 100 °C, since it could optimize the FUR yield up to 82% at 170 °C of reaction temperature. Finally, the stability of the catalysts in different solvents and their regeneration were also evaluated.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Functionalized SBA-15 are promising materials for the dehydration of xylose to furfural.
► Furfural was selectively produced by varying the textural properties of propylsulfonic SBA-15.
► Maximum furfural yield of 82% for materials aged at 100 °C and reaction temperature of 170 °C.
► Propylsulfonic acid sites show high stability in DMSO but lower in water.