Sn‐MFI and Fe‐MFI zeolites for fructose conversion to levulinic and lactic acids by the one‐pot method

Abstract

This paper presents the results of the use of MFI zeolite as a catalyst modified with tin and iron. Sn‐MFI and Fe‐MFI catalysts were obtained by ion exchange under hydrothermal conditions with and without ammonium exchange. Catalytic materials were characterized with the use of analytical techniques such as X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller method (BET), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy in the ultraviolet‐visible range (DRS UV–visible), hydrogen temperature programmed reduction (H2‐TPR), or Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The one‐pot catalytic conversion of fructose was performed at 220 °C for 1–5 h. Based on the results, the influence of time and material selection on the products obtained can be seen. Lactic acid (LAC) was obtained with a yield of 68.7% (after 2 h) and levulinic acid (LA) with a yield of 70.9% (after 5 h) with the participation of MFI. In turn, formic acid with a yield of 28.5% (after 5 h) was obtained with the participation of Fe‐MFI.