An efficient and heterogeneous recyclable silicotungstic acid with modified acid sites as a catalyst for conversion of fructose and sucrose into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural in superheated water

► Acidity modified silver exchanged silicotungstic solid acid catalyst was prepared. ► Activity of AgSTA was evaluated for the dehydration of sugar in superheated water. ► 98% fructose conversion and 85.7% HMF yield was obtained at 120 °C in 120 min. ► 92% sucrose conversion with 62.5% of HMF yield was obtained using 10 wt.% of AgSTA. ► The AgSTA catalyst was separated by filtration process and reused eight times.