Mechanosynthezized Zn3V2O8 Mixed Oxide as Efficient Catalyst of Xylose Conversion to Glycolic Acid in Water

Different catalytic materials of mixed oxide of zinc and vanadium Zn 3 V 2 O 8 were synthesized using co-precipitation, combustion, alginate gelation and mechanosynthesis methods. The synthesized mixed oxide Zn 3 V 2 O 8 were characterized by several techniques including XRD, SEM, EDX, XPS and BET. Structural measurement revealed the influence of the synthesis method on the physical and catalytic proprieties of Zn 3 V 2 O 8 materials. Catalytic performance of Zn 3 V 2 O 8 has been studied by oxidation of xylose to organic acids in water at 150 °C for 1 h. Significantly, this is the first time that the Zn 3 V 2 O 8 nano-oxide was used as catalyst for xylose oxidation in water. Zn 3 V 2 O 8 can efficiently catalyze the synthesis of glycolic acid (70% selectivity and 60% yield) from xylose with excellent stability and reusability. The ability to regenerate the Zn 3 V 2 O 8 was also assessed by determining the change in the reaction indices in successive reaction–regeneration cycles. Graphical Abstract