| Abstract |
Solid acid catalysts possessing MFI topology and different crystal sizes and porosities were explored for the conversion of carbohydrate-biomass- derived alpha-angelica lactone and 5-(hydroxymethyl) furfural, in 1-butanol at T= 120-170 degrees C, to give levulinate esters and furanic ethers. Micro/mesoporous microcrystalline catalysts were prepared by post-synthesis base/acid treatments of ZSM-5 zeolite; the influence of the desilication (base) conditions on the material properties was investigated. A nanocrystalline ZSM-5 sample was synthesised by using hydrothermal, dynamic conditions and used as a reference material. A comparison of the catalytic performances of materials featuring different morphological, textural, and acid properties highlights a complex interplay between the acid and textural properties. The best-performing catalyst (MZS0.6) was obtained by post-synthesis-treatment; fairly good catalytic stability was confirmed by catalyst recycling, contact tests, and characterisation of the spent catalyst. MZS0.6 was compared with the macrorecticular ion-exchange resin Amberlyst-15, chosen as a benchmark solid acid catalyst, in the two reaction systems. |
