Synthesis of titanium containing MCM-41 and its application for catalytic hydrolysis of cellulose

Abstract Titanium containing MCM-41 is synthesized hydrothermally in the presence of structure-directing agent cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). Bi- and tri-metal Fe and Zn are impregnated in these materials to improve the acid catalytic sites as well. XRD, BET nitrogen adsorption isotherm, TEM and SEM analysis confirm the presence of mesopores in the composite. The local environment of titanium incorporated into the mesoporous silicate material is investigated by FT-IR and UV–Vis spectroscopy. These results indicate the presence of active centers within the composite material Ti, Fe and Zn. The new composite materials are preliminarily tested in the hydrolysis of cellulose. All the titanium MCM-41 materials improve the conversion of cellulose, providing higher catalytic activity in hydrolysis. There is maximum sugar and 5-HMF concentration resulted from hydrolysis of cellulose with Fe/Ti-MCM-41 catalyst.