Introduction of cellulose-binding site B–OH group onto carbon-based solid acid and its promoting effect on hydrolysis of cellulose

Abstract

B–OH group was introduced into carbon-based solid acids by the method of low-temperature co‑carbonization. This method also ensures that the solid acid has a high density of –SO3H group. Adsorption kinetics and adsorption thermodynamics of cellobiose on the solid acid were discussed to analyze the adsorption mechanism. And further proved that B–OH group on the solid acid was a strong adsorption site of cellobiose. Therefore, the introduction of B–OH group greatly improved the affinity of the solid acid to cellulose. In addition, boron doping brought a series of positive changes to the structure of solid acid, which all contributed to improving the catalytic activity of solid acid. The hydrolysis activity of the solid acid was increased by 70.34% in comparison with the cellulose-based solid acid.