Efficient conversion of xylose to furfural over modified zeolite in the recyclable water/n-butanol system

Limited furfural yields and reagent waste are often the critical problems of conventional zeolite catalytic systems. Consequently, in the present study, an efficient solid acid catalyst (Cr-deAl-Y) containing Cr was prepared from H Y zeolite via dealumination and ion exchange. The modified catalyst possesses more strong acid sites and a more developed pore structure. Cr-deAl-Y was used to catalyze the conversion of xylose into furfural in the water/n-butanol system. The maximal furfural yield was 77.5% and xylose conversion reached 99.7% after reaction at 180 °C and 30 min. After the reaction is accomplished, all components of the catalytic system can be recovered, realizing the sustainable utilization of reagents. Moreover, the catalyst cycling performance and the catalytic performance of hydrolyzed biomass xylose were evaluated under optimal conditions. • Modified zeolite showed high catalytic activity in the conversion of xylose to furfural. • 77.5% furfural yield and 99.7% xylose conversion were obtained from xylose. • Components of the catalytic system can be effectively recovered.