Optimization of Furfural Production from Corncobs using p-Toluene Sulphonic Acid

Furfural is a promising renewable platform compound derived from lignocellulosic biomass that can be further converted to bio-based industrial chemicals. About 90% of what is used in Nigeria is imported, translating to hundreds of millions of Dollars in foreign exchange. Hence, this research aim was to optimize the production process of furfural from corncobs, a lignocellulosic biomass using a three steps methods which includes; pretreatment of raw materials, acid hydrolysis and distillation according to standard methods. The corncobs were grind to powdered form and then hydrolysed in a stirred reactor using p-toluene sulphonic acid (p-TsOH) by varying parameters which includes; temperature (60, 65 and 70 oC), reaction time (1, 2 and 3hrs) and concentration (30 ml, 40 ml and 50 ml). Analysis using FTIR was conducted to identify the functional group present in the furfural produced. The results showed yield of furfural increased from 23.66 % to 28 %, and the highest yield of furfural production was obtained using 50 ml p-TsOH at 70 oC for 3 h.