NbF₅–AlF₃ Catalysts: Design, Synthesis, and Application in Lactic Acid Synthesis from Cellulose

Abstract

A series of niobium-modified aluminum hydroxide fluorides (denoted Nb@AlF3), prepared via a fluorolytic sol–gel synthesis was investigated for the catalytic one-pot conversion of cellulose to lactic acid. The structure of the new acid catalysts is the result of the dispersion of niobium fluoride in an aluminum hydroxide fluoride matrix. The calcination of the catalysts at a relatively low temperature (350 °C) stabilized this structure. Catalytic performances in terms of lactic acid yields are directly correlated with the niobium content.