Aqueous phase hydrogenation of furfural to tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol on alkaline earth metal modified Ni/Al2O3

Abstract

Al₂O₃ modified by alkaline earth metals M–Al₂O₃ (M = Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba) was synthesised by coprecipitation method. The nickel-based catalysts supported by M–Al₂O₃ were prepared by impregnation method. The catalysts were characterized by TEM, N₂ adsorption/desorption, XRD, H₂-TPR, NH₃-TPD and XPS, and used for the direct hydrogenation of furfural to tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol (THFA) in water. The reaction was demonstrated to proceed through furfuryl alcohol as an intermediate. The modification of Al₂O₃ by alkaline earth metals has a significant effect on the activity and selectivity of THFA. A high yield of THFA was obtained over Ni/Ba–Al₂O₃ under optimized conditions. Moreover, the catalyst is recyclable and reusable at least four times without significant loss of the conversion of furfural and selectivity of THFA.