High-efficient microwave-assisted conversion of fructose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural over rice straw-derived sulfonated porous carbonaceous catalyst

Abstract

5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) has emerged as a pivotal platform chemical derived from biomass, attracting considerable attention for its renewable applications. In this study, sulfonated rice straw biochar (RSBC-SA) catalysts were developed and employed for microwave-assisted catalytic conversion of fructose to HMF. The RSBC-SA catalysts, synthesized by pyrolyzing rice straw biomass at different temperatures and subsequent functionalization with sulfonic acid groups, were characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), elemental analysis, temperature programmed desorption (TPD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). A comparative analysis of catalytic performance between microwave irradiation and conventional oil bath heating revealed a substantial enhancement in efficiency with the former. Notably, the 700 ℃ pyrolyzed RSBC-SA catalyst demonstrated the highest HMF yield of 92.6 % within just 5 min of reaction time under a microwavehydrothermal condition, surpassing the conventional oil bath heating method. In addition, moderate to high yields of HMF were achieved from different carbohydrates in our developed microwave reaction system, demonstrating significant catalytic activity. This superior catalytic effect under microwave irradiation can be attributed to the responsive dipole polarization of sulfonic acid groups, selective heating of the RSBC carrier via microwave absorption, and synergistic interactions among these factors. Overall, this study highlights the innovative use of agricultural waste and introduces a new method for creating microwave-responsive catalysts with biochar. This strategy enables efficient fructose conversion to HMF, promotes sustainable biomass transformation, and offers value-added uses for agricultural residues in chemical production.