One-pot conversion of glucose to ethyl levulinate over an acid-functionalised hydrothermal carbon gives high initial yields up to 37 mol% (comparable to H2SO4) with catalyst performance strongly influenced by green solvent choice.

Influencing stability and performance through directing nitrogen-doping in carbon support materials.

Through a simple and controllable synthesis, the properties of acid functionalised carbon-based catalysts can be directed, demonstrating activity reflective of carbon support preparation conditions.