Dehydration of fructose To 5-hydroxymethylfurfural biofuel using an ionic liquid immobilized SBA-16 recyclable catalyst

Abstract

5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) is a highly valuable platform chemical that has garnered significant attention due to its potential in producing biofuels, bioplastics, and other renewable chemicals. As an intermediate, 5-HMF offers a sustainable pathway to replace petroleum-based products and is considered an ideal candidate for the bio-based chemical industry. Its importance lies not only in its wide range of applications in chemical synthesis but also in its potential to contribute to developing sustainable energy solutions. The conversion of biomass-derived sugars into 5-HMF represents a crucial step in advancing renewable energy technologies and reducing dependency on fossil fuels. In this study, sulfonic melamine-based ionic liquids (MILs) were successfully immobilized onto SBA-16 modified with (3-chloropropyl) trimethoxysilane, resulting in the synthesis of a highly efficient solid acid catalyst. This approach ensures high catalyst stability and activity in the dehydration of fructose to 5-HMF. Characterization methods showed that the mesostructure of SBA-16 remained intact following the immobilization of the IL. The catalyst was evaluated for its catalytic efficiency in producing 5-HMF, with various reaction parameters optimized to achieve a maximum yield. Under optimal conditions, a 98 % yield of 5-HMF was achieved after 30 min at 100 °C in DMSO with a catalyst loading of 15 mg. Moreover, the catalyst exhibited excellent recyclability, maintaining high catalytic activity across seven consecutive cycles.