Catalysts based on TiO2 anchored with MoO3 or SO42− for conversion of cellulose into chemicals

Biomass is composed of a high percentage of cellulosic material, with great potential for transformation into chemical reagents, and thus it is of interest to the chemical, food, medical and fuel industries. The conversion of cellulose was evaluated in the presence of solid acid catalysts based on TiO2 anchored with MoO3 and SO42-. The catalysts were characterized by infrared and Raman absorption spectroscopy, pyridine-adsorption infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, N-2 adsorption-desorption isotherms and temperature-programmed desorption of NH3 (NH3-TPD). The catalysts showed low to moderate acid sites: TiO2/MoO3-30 > TiO2/SO42--35 > TiO2/SO42--25 > TiO2, and the cellulose conversion was between 27 and 35%.