Effective catalytic conversion of cellulose into high yields of methyl glucosides over sulfonated carbon based catalyst

An amorphous carbon based catalyst was prepared by sulfonation of the bio-char obtained from fast pyrolysis (N2 atm; ≈550 °C) of biomass. The sulfonated carbon catalyst contained high acidity of 6.28 mmol/g as determined by temperature programmed desorption of ammonia of sulfonated carbon catalyst and exhibited high catalytic performance for the hydrolysis of cellulose. Amorphous carbon based catalyst containing -SO3H groups was successfully tested and the complete conversion of cellulose in methanol at moderate temperatures with high yields ca. ⩾90% of α, β-methyl glucosides in short reaction times was achieved. The methyl glucosides formed in methanol are more stable for further conversion than the products formed in water. The carbon catalyst was demonstrated to be stable for five cycles with slight loss in catalytic activity. The utilization of bio-char as a sulfonated carbon catalyst provides a green and efficient process for cellulose conversion.