Cellulose is the most abundant and widely distributed source of biomass, accounting for the largest part (40-50 %) of lignocellulosic biomass. The conversion of cellulose into biofuel and chemicals is attractive but challenging because of the robust crystal structures in cellulose formed by inter- and intra-molecular hydrogen bonds, which make cellulose highly stable and insoluble in water and most organic solvents. Herein, we report the catalytic alcoholysis of cellulose over carbon-based solid sulfoacid catalyst with a high overall yield in supercritical ethanol. Carbon-based solid sulfoacid catalyst was demonstrated as a highly efficient and selective catalyst for cellulose conversion. FT-IR spectrum of the catalyst showed that -SO<sub>3</sub>H, -COOH, -OH and C-S groups existed in the catalyst. The total surface acidity of the catalyst was 7.146 mmol/g based on the results of acid-base titration. Cellulose conversion rate was up to 98.96 % at the optimum reaction conditions (280 <sup>o</sup>C, 1 h). Cellulose was converted into ethyl glucosides and ethyl levulinate with relative contents of 45.2 % and 29.7 %, respectively. Based on the experimental results, possible reaction pathway was proposed. Cellulose is first degraded into glucose monomers under acidic catalysis and then glucose monomers dehydrate into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF). Chemical property of 5-HMF is not stable under acidic condition and then it decomposes into levulinic acid and formic acid. α-D-glucopyranose and levulinic acid are converted into ethyl glucosides and ethyl levulinate by reacting with ethanol.

Catalytic conversion of cellulose in supercritical ethanol over carbon-based solid sulfoacid catalyst

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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