Catalytic fast pyrolysis of cellulose to produce furan compounds with SAPO type catalysts

Abstract

Furans, such as furfural (FF) and 5-hydroxymethyl-furfural (HMF), are recognised as target high-value chemicals produced through catalytic fast pyrolysis (CFP) of biomass. In this work, a series of SAPO type catalysts were introduced in the CFP of cellulose to promote the generation of furans. Results indicate that under the catalysis of SAPO type catalysts, the formation of furans is promoted while the content of sugars decreases considerably. AlCu-SAPO-34 and ZrCu-SAPO-18 performed best for furan formation: their furans peak area% was 56.94% and 63.86%, respectively. Furthermore, these two catalysts had more mild acidity (lower density and strength), which favoured the formation of furans. Meanwhile, 500–600°C was selected as the optimum operation temperature when using SAPO catalysts. The formation of furans with SAPO type catalysts may be favoured because the catalyst promotes the direct conversion of oligosaccharides to furans.