Optimization of synthesis conditions of furfural from sugarcane bagasse using magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles/sulfonated graphene oxide as a catalyst

Catalytic conversion of sugarcane bagasse to furfural is important for the utilization of lignocellulosic waste. In this work, a novel magnetic iron oxide-sulfonated graphene oxide (FSGO) material was synthesized by the hydrothermal combined with co-precipitation method and directly used as the acidic catalyst for converting bagasse to furfural. Fourier transform infrared spectra, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectra, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were utilized in the characterization of materials. Results demonstrated that Fe3O4 nanoparticles were uniformly distributed on the surface of the sulfonate graphene oxide (SGO) sheet, with an average diameter of approximately 10–20 nm. In addition, it is also crucial to determine the optimal furfural fabrication conditions in the presence of the FSGO in order to take full advantage of this material. Thus, this study also provided a thorough assessment of the simultaneous effects of different parameters, including the amount of catalyst, reaction temperature, and time via the response surface methodology (RSM) to determine the most appropriate conditions for the preparation process. According to the Box-Behnken model, the highest furfural production of 172.47 mg/g can be reached under optimal catalytic conditions including the amount of catalyst of 6.5 wt%, reaction temperature of 182 °C, and reaction time of 92 min. In addition, the recovery efficiency and reusability of FSGO catalyst were also investigated, the results of which indicate good reusability after 5 cycles of furfural production from biomass.