Cu1–Cu0 bicomponent CuNPs@ZIF-8 for highly selective hydrogenation of biomass derived 5-hydroxymethylfurfural

Abstract

99% yield of 2,5-dihydroxymethylfuran (DHMF) was achieved from biomass derived 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) with novel CuNPs@ZIF-8 using a relatively low hydrogen pressure and short reaction time. The activation energy of transformation of HMF to DHMF is only 39 kJ mol⁻¹ and the TOF value reached is 21 h⁻¹. The coexistence of Cu¹ and Cu⁰ in Cu species is demonstrated to contribute to the high activity for the hydrogenation of HMF to DHMF.