Hydrolysis–Dehydration of Cellulose: Efficiency of NbZr Catalysts under Batch and Flow Conditions

Niobium oxide supported on ZrO2 and mixed of NbOx-ZrO2 was prepared characterized. Mechanical treatment followed by the microwave heating procedure catalysts with more advanced textural parameters. The amount Lewis (LAS) Brønsted (BAS) acid sites rose increasing Nb content in catalysts. catalytic properties samples niobia-zirconia (NbZr samples, NbZr catalysts) were studied a cellulose hydrolysis–dehydration reaction at 453 K under an inert Ar atmosphere batch reactor. Glucose 5-hydroxumethylfurfural (5-HMF) major products. initial rate could be tuned density surface solid. At low (0.1–0.3 µmol·m−2), had pronounced inverse correlation. Increasing LAS/BAS from 0.3 to 2.5 slightly stimulated formation target transformation flow set-up. found product. maximum yield glucose observed presence sample 17%Nb/ZrO2. resulted Nb-associated centers and, turn, catalyst acidity activity.