Selective catalytic hydrogenation of furfural to cyclopentanone over Ru-Co bimetallic catalyst

Abstract

The conversion of furfural to cyclopentanone over Ru-Co bimetallic catalysts was studied under a hydrogen atmosphere. It was found that furfural in water solution converted to cyclopentanone with high selectivity under 3.0 MPa and 433 K. Cyclopentanol and furfuryl alcohol were detected as by-products. Addition of cerium oxide greatly improved the catalytic performance. In the presence of 6%Ru-6%Co-6%CeO 2 /MSEP catalyst, 100% furfural conversion and 71.35% selectivity to cyclopentanone were obtained successfully. The catalysts were characterized by BET, FT-IR, XRD, SEM, TEM, TG and Hydrogen chemisorption. Additionally, the catalyst successfully operated in 5 wt% furfural solution and displayed high stability.