Catalytic Transfer Hydrogenation of Furfural over Co₃O₄−Al₂O₃ Hydrotalcite‐derived Catalyst

Abstract

Abstract The hydrogenation of furfural by catalytic hydrogen transfer to produce furfuryl alcohol has been investigated over a series of mixed oxides derived from hydrotalcite catalysts. Three different catalysts containing Ni, Co and Zn phases on an Al‐rich amorphous support were synthesized and characterised. The catalytic performances were evaluated in a batch stirred reactor using 2‐propanol as a solvent and hydrogen donor, with Co 3 O 4 −Al 2 O 3 showing the highest activity and selectivity to FA (74 % yield; 97 % selectivity). The effects of temperature (T=120–180 °C) and reaction time (t=30 min–24 h) were also studied, reaching a FA maximum yield of 92 % at 150 °C after 24 h. The Co 3 O 4 −Al 2 O 3 catalyst showed a loss of activity after the first run, which can be easily restored by a simple calcination treatment. The results establish a catalytic route to produce valuable furfuryl alcohol over 3d‐transition metal‐based catalysts without any external hydrogen supply.