Building hierarchical zeolite structure by post-synthesis treatment to promote the conversion of furanic molecules into biofuels

Abstract The highly selective conversion of furanic molecules to biofuels was achieved on the hierarchical catalysts, which were prepared through modifying the commercially microporous zeolites with sequential alkali and acid post-synthesis treatments. The characterization results indicated that the post-synthesis treatment could successfully introduce the mesopores into the microporous ZSM-5 sample as well as adjust its acidity. The yield of three furanic ethers i.e. 2,5-bis(ethoxymethyl)furan, 5-ethoxymethyl-furfural, and ethyl furfuryl ether on the AT(0.50)-OT catalyst were 94.7%, 90.6%, and 58.2%, respectively. The excellent performance could be attributed to the synergic effect of mass transfer efficiency and surface acidity. This work provides a simple route to prepare high-performance catalysts for the production of biofuels from biochemical.