The impact of the preparation techniques of niobium oxide and two-component systems based on niobium and zirconium oxides on the catalytic properties was studied in the one-pot hydrolysis-dehydration of cellulose into glucose and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural. Cellulose was transformation was performed  in an autoclave at 180 ° C under argon atmosphere. The most promising methods for the preparation of solid catalysts were found to be microwave heating and mechanical activation. Glucose and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural can be produced with  total yield equal 20-21% in the presence of catalysts prepared using these techniques.