Preparation of SO42-/Fe2O3-Al2O3-SiO2 Solid Superacid Catalyst for Producing Levulinic Acid from Hydrolysis of Sucrose

SO42-/Fe2O3-Al2O3-SiO2 solid superacids of different proportions were prepared by co-deposition method and used for the reacion of catalytic hydrolysis of sucrose to produce levulinic acid. The results showed that calcination time and the dipping concentration of sulfuric acid affected the property of these catalysts. Calcination time and temperature affected surface area seriously. The shorter the calcination time and lower the calcination temperature, the larger was the specific surface area. The impregnation concentration by H2SO4 and impregnation time also impact the catalyst properties. The solid superacids were used for the catalytic hydrolysis of sucrose to produce levulinic acid. The improved activity was obtained under following conditions: calcination temperature 600℃, calcination time 4 h. The high yield of levulinic acid was obtained 33.05%.