Controlling morphology and catalysis capability of Sn/Ce porous coordination polymers by cerium coordination for catalytic conversion of glucose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural.

• Bifunctional SnCes were synthesized utilizing the discrepancy of the metal ions. • Properties of SnCes related to the interfacial coordination of the metal ions. • Sn 13.2 Ce shows high activity and stability for conversion of glucose into HMF. A novel porous coordination polymer (namely SnCe) has been synthesized by simultaneous coordination of Tin (Sn (IV)) and cerium (Ce (III/IV)) with the two ligands 5-sulfoisophthalic acid (SPA) and 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid (BTC). The morphology and surface area of SnCe can be controlled by the cerium-involved interfacial coordination, by taking advantage of the discrepancy of coordination ability between the two metal ions. The shape and size of the SnCes has a close relationship with the molar ratio of Sn to Ce. The mechanism of the formation of SnCe was investigated by electron microscopy measurement (scanning electron microscope) and XRD patterns. The catalysis capability was also controlled, with Sn (IV) and Ce (III/IV) as the Lewis acid sites and the sulfonate groups of SPA as the Brønsted acid sites. The Lewis acid sites can catalyze isomerization of glucose into fructose, and the Brønsted acid sites can catalyze the dehydration of fructose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) with a high efficiency. Thus, SnCe combines the bifunctional catalysis capability for producing HMF (an important platform chemical) from glucose. This work found that the morphology of catalyst has an effect on the catalyst capability. At the similar reaction conditions, the catalyst exhibits higher conversion and selectivity than those reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]