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A novel core-shell sulfonated tin-loaded diatomite catalyst, namely SO 4 2−/CX-DMSn, was synthesized by hybridizing sulfuric carbon layer on DM-Sn intermedium. Lewis and Brønsted acid sites displayed on the surface of DM core and on the coated carbon layer of the SO 4 2−/CX-DMSn, respectively. The catalyst exhibited excellent catalytic ability, high water tolerance and good stability. The existence of acid sites and carbon layer on the diatomite were characterized by SEM, EDS, XRD, XPS, NH 3 -TPD and Py-IR. The unique core-shell structure of the carbonized diatomite catalyst significantly improved furfural production from xylose and lignocellulosic matrix even in organic solvent-free process. Results showed 66.24% of furfural yield and 79.92% of selectivity were obtained from xylose, whilst 65.74% of furfural yield and 66.83% of selectivity from corn cob, implying the side reactions for furfural production were well-eliminated. This strategy shows a promising application for novel SO 4 2−/CX-DMSn material toward effective and green catalytic production of furfural from biomass materials. Image 1 • SO 4 2−/CX-DMSn was prepared by hybridizing sulfuric carbon layer on tin-loaded diatomite. • High furfural yield and selectivity can be obtained when using water as solvent. • 65.74% of furfural yield and 66.83% of selectivity were obtained from corn cob. • The hydrophobicity and hierarchical active cites of catalyst affected the catalysis performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]