Production of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural from glucose by recyclable heteropolyacid catalyst in ionic liquid

In this study, heteropolyacid catalyst (SiO 2 -ATS-PTA) was prepared by using silica as a supporter to convert glucose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). The structure and morphology of catalyst was characterized by ESEM, XPS, and Raman. The prepared SiO 2 -ATS-PTA was used in the conversion of glucose into HMF with 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Emim]Cl) ionic liquid as solvent via the oil bath. The effect of the reaction time, temperature and catalyst dosage on the glucose conversion, HMF yield, and HMF selectivity was investigated. The highest HMF yield of 74.67% was obtained from glucose at 140 °C, 180 min, and 70 mg of catalyst. Furthermore, the reusability of the SiO 2 -ATS-PTA and ionic liquid was examined for 3 consecutive cycles. The results showed that the glucose conversion, HMF yield, and HMF selectivity only decrease by 4.63%, 4.74%, and 4.85%, respectively, after three times reused. This study puts forward SiO 2 -ATS-PTA as a recyclable heteropolyacid catalyst for the conversion of glucose to HMF, indicating a favorable application in the biorefinery. • HMF is prepared from glucose in [Emim]Cl with phosphotungstic acid solid catalyst . • The morphology and structure of SiO 2 -ATS-PTA was characterized. • The highest HMF yield of 74.67% was obtained from glucose at 140 °C, 180 min, and 70 mg of catalyst. • SiO 2 -ATS-PTA and [Emim]Cl could be reused without a significant loss of catalytic activity.