Continuous flow synthesis of furfural from biomass-derived waste using a ZnCl2/NaCl catalytic system
Megbenu H.K. Kassym K. Ingkar G. Balu A.M. Shaimardan M. Luque R. Nuraje N.
September 2025Elsevier B.V.
Results in Engineering
2025#27
Valorizing lignocellulosic biomass into platform chemicals presents a promising route for sustainable chemical production. In this study, we demonstrate the use of a continuous-flow microreactor for synthesizing furfural from biomass-derived waste feedstocks—specifically, pretreated corncob and rice husk—through formic acid-assisted hemicellulose extraction, benchmarked against commercial xylose. The extracted hemicellulose, enriched in xylose (10.22 % for rice husk and 24.12 % for corncob), was dehydrated in a continuous-flow reactor using NaCl as a promoter and ZnCl₂ as a Lewis acid in an isopropyl alcohol (IPA):H₂O solvent system. Through comprehensive optimization of reaction parameters—temperature, flow rate, catalyst loading, and solvent ratio—a maximum furfural yield of 74.58 % was achieved at 170 °C with a residence time of just 10 min. This continuous-flow approach enables precise control of reaction conditions (validated by SEM and UHPLC), enhances heat and mass transfer, and delivers faster results compared to conventional batch systems.
Catalysis , Continuous flow , Furfural , Lignicellulosic waste , Sugars conversion
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Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, School of Engineering and Digital Sciences, Nazarbayev University, Qabanbay Batyr, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Renewable Energy Laboratory, CEAMS, National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, Qabanbay Batyr, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidad de Cordoba, Ctra Nnal IV-A, Km 396, Cordoba, E14014, Spain
National University of Science and Technology Polytechnica Bucharest, 1-7 Gh- Polizu Str., Bucharest, Romania
Universidad ECOTEC, Km. 13.5 Samborondón, Samborondón, EC092302, Ecuador
Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering
Renewable Energy Laboratory
Departamento de Química Orgánica
National University of Science and Technology Polytechnica Bucharest
Universidad ECOTEC
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