Conversion of Furfural into Aromatic Hydrocarbons Using Catalyst HZSM‐5 Treated with HCl Solution

This paper presents a new preparation method for aromatics through the catalytic pyrolysis of furfural from biomass. The use of HZSM‐5 zeolite as a catalyst with different pore sizes, pore geometries, and acidity levels was investigated for the conversion of furfural into aromatics. Results showed that product selectivity was dependent on the pore size and radius of the zeolites. Catalyst and reaction conditions were critical in maximizing the selectivity of aromatic hydrocarbons. The highest yield of 58.49 wt% was achieved at 10 ml min−1 N2 purge rate, 0.5 ml h−1 feeding rate, 500 °C pyrolysis temperature, and 23 catalyst Si/Al ratio. The highest carbon yield of benzene (12.74 %), toluene (11.13 %), xylene (8.54 %), and total (30.85 %) was obtained when the HZSM‐5 zeolite was treated with HCl (0.9 mol/L) solution. On the basis of current experimental results and previous reports, the mechanism of Lewis and Bronsted acid sites was inferred. Preparation of aromatics through the catalytic pyrolysis of furfural. HZSM‐5 was treated with HCl solution. Changes in the structure and acidity of HZSM‐5 affect the distribution of components in the bio‐oil. Results showed that the maximum carbon conversion rate of BTX is 30.85 %, which is 10.50 % higher than pure. The contents of oxygenated compounds and naphthalene in products are effectively reduced. A possible reaction mechanism of Bronsted acid and Lewis acid in pyrolysis was proposed