A magnetic carbon-based solid acid catalyst derived from tobacco stalk for efficient valorization of tobacco stalk to furfural

The preparation of furfural from biomass is an effective way of utilization the renewable carbon sources. In this article, magnetic carbon-based solid acid (MCSA) catalyst was synthesized from tobacco stalk by pyrolysis method, and tobacco stalk biomass is converted to furfural that was realized in water-γ-valerolactone solvent system. The maximum furfural yield from tobacco stalk was 46.68 % at 190 ℃ for 120 min. MCSA contains 5.04 μmol/mg of Brønsted acid sites (carboxyl group) and 21.16 μmol/mg of Lewis acid sites, which contribute to its impressive catalytic efficiency. The kinetics of the reaction process for furfural production was studied, providing valuable insights for predicting the catalytic reaction system. This study offers an effective strategy for converting tobacco stalk biomass to furfural, which is an important approach to reduce carbon emissions and promoting the carbon cycle. • Using tobacco stalk biomass as catalyst preparation and raw material for furfural production. • The magnetic fixation and rapid separation from the reaction system can be achieved. • Under the condition of 190 ℃ and 120 min, the highest furfural yield was 46.68 %.