One-step Preparation of Kraft Lignin Derived Mesoporous Carbon as Solid Acid Catalyst for Fructose Conversion to 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural

Abstract

A mesoporous carbon as solid acid catalyst was prepared from kraft lignin via one-step phosphoric acid activation. The catalyst was characterized by acid–base titration, N2 adsorption–desorption, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermal gravity analysis (TGA). The results showed that the prepared solid acid catalyst had high thermal stability, large specific surface area (850 m2/g), and a mesopore structure with the average pore diameter of 4.7 nm. The acid-base titration result of the catalyst revealed high surface acidity (5.36 mmol/g), indicating high catalytic activity. The prepared solid acid catalyst was used to catalyze dehydration of fructose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). The influence of reaction temperature and reaction time on HMF yield was investigated. The results indicated that a HMF yield of 80.1% was obtained with a reaction time of 3 h at 140 °C.