Conversion of steam exploded hydrolyzate of oil palm trunk to furfural by using sulfuric acid, solid acid, and base catalysts in one pot

This study aimed catalytic conversion of steam exploded hydrolyzate from oil palm trunk to produce furfural by using sulfuric acid, amberlyst-15, and a blend of hydrotalcite and amberlyst-15. Effect of temperature, catalytic dosage, and cosolvents was also studied. The maximum xylose conversion: 100% and furfural yield: 66.43% were attained at 170°C for 2 h of the combinatorial effect of sulfuric acid and dimethyl furamide. Amberlyst-15 gave highest xylose conversion: 77.05%; furfural yield: 35.74%, and selectivity: 46.89% at 130°C for 3 h. Whereas, coupled effect of hydrotalcite and amberlyst-15 exhibited highest xylose conversion: 88.12%; furfural yield: 40.88%, and selectivity: 46.39% at 110°C for 3 h.