Ni-Cu/Al2O3 from Layered Double Hydroxides Hydrogenates Furfural to Alcohols

The hydrogenation of furfural is an important process in the synthesis bio-based chemicals. Copper-based catalysts favor to alcohols. Catalytic activity and stability were higher at a Ni-to-Cu atomic ratio 1:1 1.5:0.5 compared 0.5:1.5. Here, we prepared Ni-Cu/Al2O3 derived from layered double hydroxides (LDHs). Catalysts calcined 673 K reduced 773 with nominal Ni/Cu ratios y/x = 1.5/0.5, 1/1 0.5/1.5 characterized by XRD, FESEM-EDX, H2-TPR, XPS, FAA BET. Their was tested 463 0.05 g g?1 solution ethanol, space velocity packed-bed reactor (PBR) 2.85 gFF gcat?1 h?1. In slurry (SSR) 5 MPa H2 contact time 4 h, conversion complete, while it varied 91 99% PBR. Tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol (TFA) main product SSR, selectivity 32%, 63% 56% for Ni0.5Cu1.5Al1, Ni1Cu1Al1 Ni1.5Cu0.5Al1, respectively. atmospheric PBR furfuryl (FA), 57% (Ni0.5Cu1.5Al1), 61% (Ni1Cu1Al1) 58% (Ni1.5Cu0.5Al1). Other products included furan, methylfuran, 1-butanol 1,2-pentanediol. Ethyl tetrahydrofurfuryl ether difurfuryl also formed via nucleophilic addition ethanol alcohol.