Systems and methods for producing fuels and fuel precursors from carbohydrates

摘要

The present invention relates to systems and methods for producing fuels and fuel precursors from carbohydrates. In an embodiment the invention includes a method of producing 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), including contacting a saccharide with a metal oxide catalyst at a temperature of greater than about 100 degrees Celsius. In an embodiment the invention includes a method of producing a biofuel including contacting a saccharide with a metal oxide catalyst at a temperature of greater than about 100 degrees Celsius. Other embodiments are also described herein.