Hierarchical zeolite catalysed fructose dehydration to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural within a biphasic solvent system under microwave irradiation

DOI: 10.1039/D3SU00162H

Authors: Huaizhong Xiang (The University of Manchester) , Shima Zainal (The University of Manchester) , Henry Jones (The University of Manchester) , Xiaoxia Ou (The University of Manchester; University of Nottingham) , Carmine D'Agostino (The University of Manchester; Università di Bologna) , Jesus Esteban (The University of Manchester) , Christopher Parlett (The University of Manchester; University of Manchester at Harwell; Diamond Light Source; UK Catalysis Hub) , Xiaolei Fan (The University of Manchester; University of Nottingham)
Co-authored by industrial partner: No

Type: Journal Paper
Journal: Rsc Sustainability

State: Published (Approved)
Published: July 2023

Abstract: Realising sustainability within the chemical industry necessitates a shift from the traditional linear approach, based on crude oil, to a circular economy using alternative feedstock such as biomass, from which 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is a potentially highly interesting platform chemical. While its production is relatively straightforward via the dehydration of fructose, derived from either saccharides or lignocellulosic biomass, its production is hindered by undesirable side reactions, which diminish overall HMF yield. Here we report a green, highly selective approach to producing 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) from fructose based on the co-deployment of a biphasic reaction media, microwave radiation, and a commercial solid acid catalyst (FAU Y zeolites). Following an initial evaluation of catalyst-solvent interactions and diffusion, a hierarchical mesoporous Y zeolite was chosen and deployed within a range of reaction media and process conditions for process optimisation, identifying a biphasic system consisting of ((6:4 Water:DMSO) / (7:3 MIBK:2-BuOH)) as the optimal reaction media. This solvent combination facilitated an HMF yield of ~73.9 mol% with an excellent selectivity of ~86.1 % at 160 ℃ after only 45 minutes under the microwave condition. These, in turn, result in optimal energy efficiency and excellent green credentials relative to conventional heating.

Journal Keywords: Hierarchical zeolite; fructose; 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF); biphasic solvent system; microwave irradiation

Subject Areas: Chemistry, Materials, Environment


Technical Areas:

Added On: 27/07/2023 09:21

Documents:
d3su00162h.pdf

Discipline Tags:

Zeolites Earth Sciences & Environment Catalysis Chemistry Chemical Engineering Engineering & Technology Organic Chemistry

Technical Tags: