Abstract

Selective and efficient dehydration of glucose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) has been widely explored research problem recently, especially from the perspective of more sustainable heterogeneous catalysts. In this study, activated carbon was first produced from a lignocellulosic waste material, birch sawdust. Novel heterogeneous catalysts were then prepared from activated carbon by adding Lewis or Brønsted acid sites on the carbon surface. Prepared catalysts were used to convert glucose to HMF in biphasic water:THF system at 160 °C. The highest HMF yield and selectivity, 51% and 78%, respectively, were obtained in 8 h with a catalytic mixture containing both Lewis and Brønsted acid sites. Also, preliminary recycling experiments were performed. Based on this study, biomass-based activated carbon catalysts show promise for the conversion of glucose to HMF.