Hydrogenation of Lignocellulosic Biomass-Derived Furfural over Ruthenium and Nickel Catalysts Supported on Mesoporous Aluminosilicate

Abstract

The paper describes synthesis of ruthenium and nickel catalysts supported on aluminum-modified SBA-15 (Santa Barbara Amorphous-15) mesoporous silicate, designated as Al-SBA-15, with a Si/Al ratio of 20. The catalysts were investigated in aqueous-phase hydrogenation of furfural, a valuable product obtained from lignocellulosic biomass. Elevating the reaction temperature from 200 to 250°C and the hydrogen pressure from 3 to 5 MPa enhanced the selectivity towards methyltetrahydrofuran (MTHF). The ruthenium catalyst outperformed its nickel counterpart in terms of activity in aqueous-phase furfural hydrogenation (250°C, 5 MPa H2).