Applied Chemical Engineering

Catalytic conversion of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to furan derivatives 2,5-dimethylfuran

Nuttida Chanhom

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand

Prapaporn Prasertpong

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi, Pathum Thani, 12110, Thailand

Nakorn Tippayawong

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi, Pathum Thani, 12110, Thailand

DOI: https://doi.org/10.59429/ace.v8i1.5581

Keywords: clean energy; biomass conversion; catalysis; hydrogenolysis; 2,5-dimethylfuran; 5-hydroxymethylfurfural

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Abstract

This study investigates the catalytic transfer hydrogenolysis of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to produce the valuable biofuel 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF) using a Ni-Co/C catalyst. HMF conversion into DMF offers a promising alternative to fossil fuels, leveraging biomass-derived feedstocks. Key process parameters—temperature (150–270 °C), reaction time (6–10 hours), hydrogen pressure (0.5–2.5 MPa), and reaction speed (150–750 rpm)—were systematically evaluated for their influence on DMF yield. A central composite design and response surface methodology were utilized to optimize these variables, allowing precise control over the reaction conditions. Findings indicated that temperature and reaction speed significantly impacted DMF yield, with the highest yield of 96.5% achieved at an optimal temperature of 210 °C and a reaction speed of 450 rpm under self-generated pressure, reducing dependency on external hydrogen sources. This study proposes a novel reaction pathway where 5-methylfurfural (5-MF) serves as an intermediate, diverging from conventional methods using 2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)furan (BHMF). The approach substitutes formic acid as a hydrogen donor instead of H₂, contributing to a more sustainable and efficient conversion process. Additionally, the influence of formic acid dosage on HMF conversion and DMF yield was assessed, further refining the conditions for high-yield DMF production. Beyond HMF, the methodology was effective in converting furfural to 2-methylfuran, expanding its applicability to other biomass-derived chemicals. These findings advance the catalytic hydrogenolysis of HMF, presenting a viable pathway for sustainable biofuel production, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and contributing to the development of green chemistry solutions.

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