CoCuMgAl-Mixed-Oxide-Based Catalysts with Fine-Tunable Composition for the Hydrogenation of Furan Compounds

Abstract

Catalysts based on CoCuMgAl mixed oxides were synthesized and studied in the hydrogenations of furfural and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural under different conditions. The changes in the structural properties of the catalysts at different stages of their preparation were studied using a set of physical methods (XRD, SEM, and TEM). It was shown that the fine regulation of the chemical compositions of the mixed oxides (i.e., changes in the Co/Cu ratio) made it possible to vary the structure, morphology, and catalytic properties of the samples. The phase composition of catalysts with Co/Cu = 1 did not change during the catalytic reaction, although the initial catalysts had a less-homogeneous morphology. 5-hydroxymethylfurfural conversion was higher for the samples with Co/Cu = 1. Furfural conversion increased when raising the Co/Cu ratio. The selectivity toward furfuryl alcohol for the catalyst with Co/Cu = 2 under mild conditions of furfural hydrogenation was more than 99%. The results obtained are important for the development of the scientific foundations of the preparation of hydrogenation catalysts with a fine-tunable composition in order to obtain the desired hydrogenation products.