Conversion of cellulose into valuable chemicals using sulfonated amorphous carbon in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride

Abstract

In this study, three carbon-based solid acid catalysts were prepared via the one-step hydrothermal procedure using glucose and Brønsted acid, including sulfuric acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, or hydrochloric acid. The as-synthesized catalysts were tested for their ability to convert cellulose into valuable chemicals. The effects of Brønsted acidic catalyst, catalyst loading, solvent, temperature, time, and reactor on the reaction were investigated. The as-synthesized C–H₂SO₄ catalyst containing Brønsted acid sites (–SO₃H, –OH, and –COOH functional groups) demonstrated high activity in the transformation of cellulose into valuable chemicals with the yield of total products of 88.17% including 49.79% LA in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([EMIM]Cl) solvent at 120 °C in 24 h. The recyclability and stability of C–H₂SO₄ were also observed. A proposed mechanism of cellulose conversion into valuable chemicals in the presence of C–H₂SO₄ was presented. The current method could provide a feasible approach for the conversion of cellulose into valuable chemicals.