Catalytic performance of surface modified-niobic acid

Abstract

Surface modification of niobic acid with phosphoric acid and its catalytic performance in the hydrolysis reaction has been studied. A series of catalysts, surface-modified with different concentration of phosphoric acid, have been prepared and characterized. It was found that the catalyst selectivity to glucose increased with the increase of acid concentration used for the surface modification. The extent of selectivity enhancement of the modified catalysts showed a good relationship with the atomic ratio of phosphorous and niobium on the surface.