Optimal porosity in zeolitic imidazole framework for cost-effective furfural removal in biomass hydrolysates

Efficient removal of fermentation inhibitors, particularly furan aldehydes like furfural is crucial for enhancing microbial fermentation efficiency in lignocellulosic biomass processing. In this study, zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 with different molar ratios were synthesized by regulating the Zn 2 + /2-methylimidazole molar ratio (from 1:4–1:15), and their structural properties and adsorption performance were systematically evaluated. The results showed that the pore structure was crucial to the adsorption performance, and the pore structure was optimal when the Zn 2+ /2-methylimidazole ratio was 1:8. The optimized zeolitic imidazole framework-8 showed rapid, selective and efficient adsorption of furfural under different operating conditions, thereby preventing the formation of inhibitors from affecting fermentation while minimizing sugar loss. This study provides a generalizable design principle for the development of adsorbents in biomass conversion. This work provides a scalable solution for biomass hydrolysate detoxification, with potential cost advantages due to the material’s reusability and high adsorption capacity compared to conventional resin-based methods.