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A Sulfated ZrO 2 Hollow Nanostructure as an Acid Catalyst in the Dehydration of Fructose to 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural
Author(s) -
Joo Ji Bong,
Vu Austin,
Zhang Qiao,
Dahl Michael,
Gu Minfen,
Zaera Francisco,
Yin Yadong
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
chemsuschem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.412
H-Index - 157
eISSN - 1864-564X
pISSN - 1864-5631
DOI - 10.1002/cssc.201300416
Subject(s) - calcination , catalysis , superacid , chemical engineering , mesoporous material , dispersity , materials science , nanostructure , heterogeneous catalysis , sulfuric acid , chemistry , nanotechnology , inorganic chemistry , organic chemistry , engineering
Mesoporous hollow colloidal particles with well‐defined characteristics have potential use in many applications. In liquid‐phase catalysis, in particular, they can provide a large active surface area, reduced diffusion resistance, improved accessibility to reactants, and excellent dispersity in reaction media. Herein, we report the tailored synthesis of sulfated ZrO 2 hollow nanostructures and their catalytic applications in the dehydration of fructose. ZrO 2 hollow nanoshells with controllable thickness were first synthesized through a robust sol–gel process. Acidic functional groups were further introduced to the surface of hollow ZrO 2 shells by sulfuric acid treatment followed by calcination. The resulting sulfated ZrO 2 hollow particles showed advantageous properties for liquid‐phase catalysis, such as well‐maintained structural integrity, good dispersity, favorable mesoporosity, and a strongly acidic surface. By controlling the synthesis and calcination conditions and optimizing the properties of sulfated ZrO 2 hollow shells, we have been able to design superacid catalysts with superior performance in the dehydration of fructose to 5‐hydroxymethyfurfural than the solid sulfated ZrO 2 nanocatalyst.