A novel solid acid bearing thiophene group: Preparation and catalytic performance in cellulose hydrolysis

Two different aromatic monomers, naphthalene and benzothiophene, were ingeniously selected to prepare a solid acid with thiophene groups, which can selectively convert cellulose into glucose. The content of thiophene groups in the solid acids was regulated by adjusting the proportion of aromatic monomers. The effect of thiophene groups on physico-chemical structures and catalytic activity of solid acids was discussed. The experiment results indicate that the sulfur content in solid acids was up to 19.57 wt%. The introduction of thiophene groups increased -SO3H group density and adsorption capacity by 30.99 % and 64.36 %, respectively. These positive changes result in excellent catalytic activity of solid acids. The cellulose conversion rate and glucose selectivity reached 78.9 % and 97.1 % respectively at 150 degrees C and 7 h.