Boosting the chemoselective production of biomass-derived butanediols by bifunctional Pd–WOx catalysts modified with MgOy species

Abstract

Selective conversion of biomass to butanediol is considered a sustainable approach; however, realizing this process under mild conditions remains a significant challenge. Here, a series of Pd–WO_x–MO_y (M = Mg, Zr, Al and Cr) catalysts were synthesized by modifying Pd–WO_x with various metal oxides. Among them, the Pd–WO_x–MgO_y catalyst exhibited an excellent catalytic performance in the conversion of biomass to butanediol. Typically, under optimal conditions (160 °C, 0.6 MPa H₂, and 4 h), the Pd–WO_x–MgO_y catalyst achieved a high butanediol yield of 56.2%, surpassing the other three catalysts and those reported in recent studies. Comprehensive analyses revealed that the Pd–WO_x–MgO_y catalyst possessed appropriate acid sites that facilitate C–C bond cleavage and enhance H₂ adsorption and activation, thereby improving the yield of butanediol. Besides, the Pd–WO_x–MgO_y catalyst also exhibited excellent stability and substrate scope for BDO production.