Recent advances on solid acid catalyic systems for production of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural from biomass derivatives

5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), a value-added platform chemical, is used as a “bridge” between biomass raw materials and industrial application products in the process of biorefinery. At present, HMF is generally obtained by catalyzing the dehydration of C6 sugar, and then transformed into various high value-added chemical products. Among several widely used heterogeneous catalysts, solid acid catalysts have been widely studied for effectively catalyzing biomass to produce HMF. In this practice we intend to explore the research progress of solid acid catalysts in the conversion of biomass to HMF. This article evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of metal oxides, carbon-based catalysts, zeolites, MOFs and resins. The effects of different catalytic systems on improving catalytic activity and HMF selectivity were introduced and compared. In addition, the latest methods for the reactor, segregation and depuration of HMF in recent years are reviewed, which will help to provide some valuable enlightenment for the design of efficient new solid acid catalysts and promoting the industrial production of HMF. [Display omitted] •Recent research progress of solid acid catalytic system in the preparation of HMF.•The advantages and disadvantages of different solid acids were compared.•The synergism between solid acids and between solid acids and ionic solutions was discussed.•The advanced separation, purification technologies and reactor of HMF were reviewed.•The development trend of solid acid catalysts in the process of biomass value is pointed out.