Catalytic dehydration of model molecule of bio-oil to produce hydroxymethylfurfural: a potential carbon-neutral intermediate for the synthesis of biofuels and chemicals

Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) an intermediate used in the production of a broad spectrum of biofuels and chemicals, such as polyester containing furanic compounds, polyamides, polyurethanes, pharmaceuticals and organic derivatives. In this context, the dehydration of frutose and glucose using acid catalysts can be an environmentally friendly synthesis route of HMF. In this proposal, we intend to contribute to increasing knowledge about the mechanism of the catalytic dehydration reaction of glucose in Beta zeolite-based catalysts. More specifically, we will try to differentiate the roles of Brønsted and Lewis acid sites during the reaction, which will be done through Inelastic Neutron Scattering (INS) experiments on the TOSCA instrument.