Preparation of carbon-based magnetic solid acid catalyst from various carbon sources and characterization of its catalytic performance

Four kinds of carbon-based magnetic solid acid catalysts (CBMSACs) were prepared from rice husk, wood chips, peanut shells, and corn straw. The structure was investigated via x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), elemental Analysis (EA), scanning/transmission electron microscope (SEM/TEM), and BET analyses. The catalysts were used to hydrolyze cellulose, and the hydrolysis efficiencies were determined. The catalysts were all comprised of a disordered carbon structure with random polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons similar to graphite layers. This structure had a large number of -SO3H groups and the alkyl side chain, which increased the electron cloud density of the carbon carrier, relative to the other catalysts; this was advantageous to the adhesion of the -SO3H group to increase the activity of catalysts. The product also contained a large number of magnetic particles, making it easy to separate the catalysts from the reaction residue. The properties of the catalyst derived from corn straw as the carbon source appeared to be the best. Although it could be further recycled many times, the catalyst activity decreased due to the loss of -SO3H groups. At the same time, the catalyst had a high specific surface area of 755 m2/g.