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Assessment of Different Niobium-Based Catalytic Systems for 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural Production from Glucose and Microcrystalline Cellulose

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide This study investigates the production of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) from glucose and microcrystalline cellulose using niobium-based catalytic systems in acetone/water media, under short reaction times. Three catalytic strategies─individual, hybrid, and impregnated─were evaluated by combining niobium pentoxide (Nb 2 O 5 ) or niobium phosphate (NbOPO 4 ) with phosphotungstic acid (HPW), in both powder and pellet forms. Among these systems, NbOPO 4 powder exhibited the best performance for glucose conversion, achieving a yield of 38.5% and a volumetric rate of 26.9 g/L·h, while cellulose conversion required an HPW/NbOPO 4 impregnated system, yielding 18.9% with a volumetric productivity of 88.1 g/L·h. Further, recyclability tests for glucose conversion showed that NbOPO 4 powder remained active for seven consecutive cycles, whereas the pellet formed partially deactivated after four cycles. Together with the use of relatively green solvents, short reaction times, and noncorrosive conditions, these results support the development of efficient, reusable, and environmentally friendly catalytic systems for carbohydrate valorization. Overall, the combination of competitive productivity at short residence times in a low-hazard solvent system positions these niobium-based catalysts favorably relative to many reported heterogeneous HMF routes that rely on longer reaction times and less sustainable solvents. Moreover, the pelletized catalyst format is directly compatible with fixed-bed continuous-flow reactors, facilitating catalyst handling, separation, and regeneration.

Source: ACS Omega

DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.5c12543

Authors: Jéssica S. M. M. T. Nogueira, Livia M. Carneiro, João P. A. Silva, Solange I. Mussatto, Inês C. Roberto

Institutions: Universidade de São Paulo, Technical University of Denmark

Language: English

Topic: Catalysis for Biomass Conversion

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,935