SO3H-functionalized acidic ionic liquids as catalysts for the hydrolysis of cellulose

The conversion of cellulose into valuable chemicals to deal with the depletion of fossil fuel has got much attention. Completing the hydrolysis of cellulose under mild conditions is the key step. In this study, six kinds of SO3H-functionalized acidic ionic liquids were used as acid catalyst to promote the hydrolysis of cellulose in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([BMIM]Cl). All of them were efficient for the hydrolysis of cellulose, with the maximum total reducing sugars (TRS) yields over 83% at 100 °C. Acidic ionic liquids with analogous structures showed similar catalytic activities. Triethyl-(3-sulfo-propyl)-ammonium hydrogen sulfate (IL-5 in this study) was the optimum ionic liquid for cellulose hydrolysis, with the maximum TRS yield at 100 °C up to 99% when the dosage used was 0.2 g. In addition, the water in [BMIM]Cl had negative effect on cellulose hydrolysis. Therefore, controlling the content of water in a comparatively low level is quite necessary.