AAO/SBA-15-SO3H catalyst was prepared successfully by the
co-condensing and grafting methods, and the performance of the catalyst was tested in xylose to furfural. Results show that the
performance of the catalyst prepared by the co-condensing
method is better than that of the catalyst prepared by the
grafting method. The conversion of xylose was above 90%, and
the selectivity to furfural was 74%. Reaction to xylose to furfural
is related to the amount of SO3H, and SO3H is the active site.
Additionally, the cause of the deactivation of the AAO/SBA-15-
SO3H(C) catalyst is attributed to the formation of by-products
resulting from the oligomerisation/polymerization of furfural
and condensation of intermediates of the dehydration of xylose.
For the spent SBA-15-SO3H(C) catalyst, the catalytic activity is
completely recovered after treatment by H2O2. Solid acid
catalyst packing can unite catalysis and extraction in a packed
extraction column, which is a good chance for the production of
furfural.