Catalytic Conversion of Glucose to 5-Hydroxymethyfurfural Over B2O3 Supported Solid Acids Catalysts

A series of supported B 2 O 3 /ZrO 2 –Al 2 O 3 (BZA) catalysts with different loading B 2 O 3 were prepared and characterized by XRD, FT-IR, XPS, NH 3 -TPD, N 2 adsorption–desorption and FT-IR (pyridine adsorption). These catalysts were applied for direct conversion of glucose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). An optimized HMF yield of 41.2% at a glucose conversion of 90.8% was obtained within 4 h at 150 °C over B 2 O 3 (20 wt%)/ZrO 2 –Al 2 O 3 (BZA-0.20). The best catalytic performance of BZA-0.20 was associated with the highest amount of total acid. The simultaneously bearing Lewis acid and Brønsted acid sites were more efficient for production of HMF from glucose.