Catalyst Development for the Efficient Synthesis of Pentanediol from Selective Hydrogenation of Biomass-based Furfural and Derivatives

Abstract

The selective hydrogenation ring-opening of furfural and derivatives to pentanediols (PDO) is an important potential process for promoting the sustainable bio-based fine chemicals. Due to the complex hydrogenation reaction network of furfural, achieving the catalytic hydrogenlysis of C-O in furan ring to target PDO with high selectivity is a great challenge. Therefore, the rational design of heterogeneous catalysts is crucial. In this review, the catalyst design for the hydrogenation of FF and derivatives to PDO are catalogued into three major products, 1,2-PDO, 1,5-PDO, 1,4-PDO. The particular focus is placed on the catalyst design strategies for FF and derivatives hydrogenation to PDO, including metal center modulation, support microenvironment engineering (including acidity/alkalinity, oxygen vacancies, and pore structure), and synergistic effect of additives, to improve the catalytic activity, product selectivity, and catalyst stability. The mechanism is also discussed to provide insights for guiding the enhancement of selectivity and the design of multifunctional catalyst. Finally, the future research is expected to emphasis on the precise design and rational regulation of catalytic systems, aiming to develop non-precious metal catalysts with higher efficiency, enhanced stability, and lower cost.