Bamboo-derived Magnetic Carbonaceous Solid Acid Catalyst for the Conversion of Corncob into Furfural Promoted by Warm Water Immersion

摘要

In this study, a bamboo-derived magnetic carbonaceous solid acid catalyst (BC@Fe3O4@SO3H) was synthesized by FeCl3 impregnation, which was followed by incomplete carbonization and -SO3H group functionalization. FT-IR, XRD, and TGA results showed that the prepared catalyst contained -SO3H, -COOH, and phenolic -OH groups. It exhibited poor adsorption ability for the dominating sugars released during the catalytic conversion process. The prepared bamboo-derived magnetic carbonaceous solid acid presented high catalytic activity for depolymerization and conversion of corncob hemicellulose. Warm water immersion under 60 degrees C was able to destroy the complex corncob cell wall structure and accelerated the dissolution of carbohydrates. The highest furfural yield of 54.1 mg/g was obtained from 40 degrees C water-immersed corncob after reacting at 180 degrees C for 30 min. Up to 96.1% of the corncob hemicellulosic backbone sugars were depolymerized to monosaccharides and oligosaccharides in the hydrolysates. The prepared catalyst exhibited a simple magnetic recovery process and high stability. This work provides promising strategies for biomass utilization via renewable materials.