(25g) Enhancing Energy Efficiency in Saccharide-HMF Conversion with Core/Shell Structured Microwave Responsive Catalysts

Core/shell structured microwave responsive catalysts with carbon nanotube core and TiO₂/SO₄^2- shell were synthesized in this work for catalytic conversion of saccharide to 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). The microstructure and surface property of these hybrid composites were carefully characterized. With such a structure of inner microwave absorber and outer catalyst shell, the heat generated at the core area by microwave radiation can be translated to the shell catalyst directly. Such localized heating allows maximum heat utilization in the reaction and uplifts the energy efficiency of the catalytic reaction by up to six times compared to pure TiO₂. The effects of TiO₂ shell thickness, annealing temperature, catalyst concentration and microwave power on the saccharide conversion and HMF yield were systematically investigated. These catalysts have been demonstrated effective in the hydrolysis conversion of various saccharides such as fructose, glucose and sucrose.