Synergistic Catalytic Effect of Sulphated Zirconia—HCl System for Levulinic Acid and Solid Residue Production Using Microwave Irradiation

The synergistic conversion of Miscanthus xGiganteous with sulphated zirconia and dilute hydrochloric acid was investigated. prepared using H2SO4 impregnation characterised X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Energy-dispersive (EDX), Scanning Electron Miscroscope (SEM) spectroscopy nitrogen adsorption–desorption measurements. microwave-assisted reaction evaluated at various temperatures, times catalyst-to-biomass ratios, without the presence trace HCl in solution medium for to levulinic acid. highest yield 63.8% achieved 160 °C, 80 min a 2:1 ratio, 10 mM HCl. catalyst recyclability investigated calcination, finding that significant humin deposition on surface likely caused deactivation. post-reaction solid residue also SEM, EDX, XRD, elemental composition Findings indicate this could potentially be used as soil amendment or fuel source. real lignocellulosic biomass showed remarkable promise should further.