Hydrophobic Nanosized H‑Beta Catalysis for Biomass Furanic Compound Valorization

The depletion of crude oil reserves and escalating concerns about global warming have intensified the quest for sustainable alternatives in the production of fuels and fine chemicals. In this context, the selective transformation of renewable biomass-derived furanic compounds into biofuels and valuable chemicals represents a promising avenue. This research explores the catalytic potential of hydrophobic nanosized H-Beta zeolites in the alkylation of furan and its derivatives. By systematically investigating the influencing factors, including acid strength and hydrophobicity, we revealed that zeolite-based catalysts with moderate acid strengths exhibit superior efficacy in promoting alkylation reactions. Notably, the optimized catalyst, TEFS-functionalized pyridine-protected nanosized H-Beta-180 (Nano-H-Beta-180-Py-TEFS), demonstrates exceptional selectivity and efficiency in the production of bifurfurylfuran (BFFF), a key precursor for next-generation biofuels. Furthermore, the successful implementation of continuous-flow processing enhances the scalability and efficiency of these catalytic transformations, making them highly promising for large-scale applications. This work not only contributes to the development of sustainable chemical processes but also offers a practical solution for the alkylation of furanic compounds, addressing the growing demand for ecofriendly fuels and chemicals.