Sn-modified SBA-15 with tailored acid properties for efficient 5-hydroxymethylfurfural production from glucose

Interest in production and utilization of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) has risen greatly as 5-HMF is considered as an extremely important platform compound. It remains a huge challenge to develop efficient and low-cost solid catalysts with suitable acid properties for sustainable production of 5-HMF from glucose. Herein, a bifunctional Sn-modified SBA-15 (Sn–OH/SBA-15) catalyst containing both Lewis and Brønsted acid sites was fabricated. Dimethyldichlorostannane was grafted onto mesoporous SBA-15, and the methyl groups were then converted to hydroxyl groups by calcination. The synergistic effects of Lewis and Brønsted acid significantly boosted the synthesis of 5-HMF from glucose adopting the one-pot method. By optimizing the reaction conditions, the Sn–OH/SBA-15 sample was able to achieve a glucose conversion of 96.9% with a 5-HMF yield of 70.6% (180 °C, 5 h). Moreover, the catalyst demonstrated superior recyclability and reusability. This work would enlighten the exploitation and preparation of highly efficient catalysts for the transformation of carbohydrates into value-added chemicals.