Synthesis of heteropolyacid (HPA) functionalized graphitic carbon nitride as effective catalysts for converting polysaccharides into high-value chemicals

Using renewable biomass resources to replace fossil resources has been regarded as an effective way to restore and protect the natural environment. Cellulose as a polysaccharide exists in nature or environmental pollution control facilities in the production process. To recover and effectively transform cellulose or other polysaccharide substances into more valuable products, a series of heteropolyacid (HPA) functionalized graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) HPA/g-C3N4 (n wt%) was synthesized, which was evaluated their catalytic performance in the conversion of polysaccharides as cellobiose, sucrose, starch, and cellulose. The high yield (58.6%) of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) was obtained in one-pot upon H3PW12O40(HPW)/g-C3N4(30) at 100% cellulose conversion, which was contributed to the nature of HPW/g-C3N4(30). HPW/g-C3N4 was determined as an efficient, recyclable solid catalyst with high stability and long duration for high selectivity to 5-HMF in one-pot. The design of novel HPA with the functionalized candidate will be necessary for polysaccharides hydrolysis to selectively obtain high-value products.