Effect of copper on NiCu bimetallic catalyst supported on SBA-16 for the catalytic hydrogenation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-dimethylfuran

• Published in: Biomass & bioenergy 2020-12, Vol.143, p.105868, Article 105868
• Main Authors: Umasankar, S., Tamizhdurai, P., Santhana krishnan, P., Narayanan, S., Mangesh, V.L., Shanthi, K.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 2,5-Dimethylfuran; 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural; Hydrogenation; NiCu bimetallic Catalyst; SBA-16
• ISSN: 0961-9534; 1873-2909
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biombioe.2020.105868

As a consequence of the rapid utilization of fossil resources, the effective, sustainable biomass transformation will get great importance towards the production of valuable chemicals. Here, we developed 5 wt% Ni loaded Cu(x) (where x = 8,10,12, &14%) supported on SBA-16and evaluated its catalytic performance in the hydrogenation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF), which was carried out a bench top stainless steel autoclave reactor. The major product in the present reaction is 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF). A number of characterization techniques were used to clarify the effective loading of bimetals on SBA-16 and the novelty of catalysts. The prepared bimetallic catalysts reduction profile shifted towards lower temperatures compared to a monometallic catalyst, indicating stronger metal-metal interaction. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was performed to distinguish between oxide and metallic states of Ni and Cu. Among the prepared catalysts, 5Ni–12Cu/SBA-16 exhibited superior performance regarding the entire conversion of 5-HMF on account of better synergy between Cu and Ni species, well dispersion of the metal in the support, favorable surface acidity. Also, this catalyst shows a favorable DMF yield of 60.7%, and DMF is the major hydrogenation product in all the reactions. The reaction was thoroughly optimized and developed by a thorough investigation of various reaction parameters such as Ni/Cu ratio, temperature, pressure, reaction time, and catalyst recyclability. •Ni–Cu bimetallic catalyst supported on SBA-16 synthesized by impregnation method.•Metal and acid sites responsible for conversion of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to 2,5-Dimethylfuran (DMF).•The 5Ni–12Cu/SBA-16 catalyst showed superior conversion and better yield of DMF.•2,5-Dimethylfuran with 60.7% yield was produced from HMF.•The optimal reaction conditions are 210 °C, 20 bar H2 pressure, reaction time 4 h.