Abstract
Flexible catalysts for the efficient oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfuran (HMF) into valuable chemicals are in urgent demand. In this contribution, the sugarcane-derived N-doped biochar (Su-NCs) was prepared by MgCl2 activation in the presence of urea via a one-step pyrolysis method, which constructed a composite catalyst with Fe(NO3)3 for HMF oxidation. The perfect combination of Su-NCs/Fe(NO3)3 revealed remarkably enhanced catalytic performance and HMF conversion of ca. 100.0% with a 92.0% total yield in air. The effects of specific N-doping sites on the catalytic activity and role of Fe3+ were explored. The results disclosed the electron-rich pyridine-N and Fe3+ synergistically implemented the stepwise oxidation of alcohol to aldehyde and then carboxylic acid. Importantly, the Fe2+ came from electron transfer between the electron-rich N-doped sites and Fe3+ was the origin of reactive oxygen species (∙O−2), which further determined the reactivity and product distributions. The ∙O−2was favorable for the oxidation of hydroxyl while the ∙OH evolved from ∙O−2 preferred to attack aldehyde on the furan ring. This work emphasizes the importance of surface electron transfer of Su-NCs on oxidation efficiency of HMF and creates an alternative chance to produce value-added chemicals from raw biomass.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
