Abstract
The conversion of biomass into high-value chemicals through biorefineries is a requirement for sustainable development. Lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) contains polysaccharides and aromatic polymers and is one of the important raw materials for biorefineries. Hexose and pentose sugars can be obtained from LCB by effective pretreatment methods, and further converted into high-value chemicals and biofuels, such as 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), levulinic acid (LA), γ-valerolactone (GVL), ethyl levulinate (EL), and 5-ethoxymethylfurfural (EMF). Among these biofuels, EMF has a high cetane number and superior oxidation stability. This mini-review summarizes the mechanism of several important processes of EMF production from LCB-derived sugars and the research progress of acid catalysts used in this reaction in recent years. The influence of the properties and structures of mono- and bi-functional acid catalysts on the selectivity of EMF from glucose were discussed, and the effect of reaction conditions on the yield of EMF was also introduced.
Highlights
Extensive use of fossil fuels has caused energy depletion and serious environmental problems
The mainstream Path I uses glucose as the starting material, which is isomerized to produce fructose, HMF is obtained through fructose dehydration (-3H2O), and HMF is etherified to EMF (Chen et al, 2019)
In the presence of a single Lewis acid, the possible reason for the failure to obtain high EMF yield is that the Lewis acid cannot provide H+, resulting in the low [C2H5OH2]+ concentration in the system which limits the fructose dehydration and subsequent etherification steps
Summary
Extensive use of fossil fuels has caused energy depletion and serious environmental problems (e.g., greenhouse effect and acid rain). Furfuryl alcohol, HMF, EMF, and 2,5-dimethylfuran have shown great potential in the formation of fine chemicals and alternative fossil fuels (Tong et al, 2010; Liu et al, 2021). Among these furan derivatives, EMF has the advantages for instance a higher boiling point (235°C), superior energy density (30.3 MJ/L) compare with ethanol (23.5 MJ/L), and low flash point The aim is to provide a feasibility method for maximizing the conversion of LCB into EMF
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
