Efficient catalytic system for the direct transformation of lignocellulosic biomass to furfural and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural.

•An efficient strategy for the co-production of furfural and 5-HMF was proposed.•SPTPA was used as catalyst to convert untreated corncob.•Simultaneously encouraging yields of furfural (73.9%) and 5-HMF (32.3%) were achieved.