Sulfonated magnetic carbon nanoparticles from eucalyptus oil as a green and sustainable catalyst for converting fructose to 5-HMF

Highlights

• Eucalyptus oil is a renewable source for preparing magnetic carbon nanoparticles.

• Sulfonated MCNs were successfully applied for fructose conversion to 5-HMF.

• Sulfonation could enhance specific surface area and total pore volume of MCNs.

• Highest yield of 5-HMF (51.6%) was achieved at 180 °C and 30 min with 0.2 g SMCN.

• Biomass-derived SMCNs could lead to eco-friendly production of platform chemicals.

Abstract

Sulfonated magnetic carbon nanoparticles (SMCNs) were synthesized from eucalyptus oil via co-pyrolysis with ferrocene and sulfonation by H₂SO₄. Catalytic performance of SMCNs for conversion of fructose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural was examined within a designated range of reaction temperature (120–180 °C) and time (30–240 min). 84% conversion of fructose and 51.6% yield of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural could be achieved with catalyst-to-fructose mass ratio of 0.167 at 180 °C and the reaction time of 30 min. The magnetic property of SMCNs also facilitated recovery and recycling of the spent catalyst. Additionally, more than 50% yield of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural could be achieved after three cycles.