Hydrolysis of corncob using a modified carbon-based solid acid catalyst

Lignocellulosic biomass is a very important renewable resource that could be used to produce biofuels and various platform chemicals. The conversion of biomass to reducing sugar is an essential intermediate step that can impact the economic benefits of the producing process. The modified carbon-based solid acid is a novel catalyst used in the hydrolysis process. A catalyst material was prepared through the incomplete carbonization and sulfonation of the mixture of glucose and p-toluenesulfonic acid, followed by oxidation using 30% H₂O₂ to promote the acidity. The hydrolysis efficiency of the solid acid was significantly increased. The effects of the carbonization temperature, time, and the glucose / p-toluenesulfonic acid ratio on catalytic efficiency were investigated. Under the appropriate preparation condition, the catalyst could hydrolyze corncob to produce 78% xylose and 34% glucose. The activity of the catalyst slightly declined after five-cycles application.