Work

Catalytic transfer hydrogenation of biomass-derived 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-dimethylfuran over a unique Cu-based catalyst

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) played a crucial role in the selective hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF). In this work, a series of Cu-MOF-based catalysts were synthesized and applied to the catalytic transfer hydrodeoxygenation (CTHDO) of HMF to produce DMF. Catalyst 2Cu/1BTC-700 exhibited the best catalytic performance, achieving a DMF yield of 95.84 % at 180 °C using isopropanol as the hydrogen donor. Results of detailed characterizations showed the excellent catalytic performance was attributed the appropriate specific surface area, acid sites, the smallest particle size and the synergistic effect between Cu 0 and Cu + species. Mechanistic studies revealed metallic Cu 0 promoted isopropanol dehydrogenation, generating active hydrogen to initiate the CTHDO reaction of HMF, while Cu + acted as Lewis acid sites promoting the activation of the C=O bond and subsequent C–OH cleavage. In addition, the catalyst also had a good reusability, which could give some insights to the high value conversion of HMF.

Source: Biomass and Bioenergy

DOI: 10.1016/j.biombioe.2025.108131

Authors: Yin Wang, Mingqin Xue, Fei Ge, Wenlin Xu, Jianchun Jiang, Minghao Zhou

Institutions: Yangzhou University, Institute of Chemical Industry of Forest Products, Chinese Academy of Forestry

Language: English

Topic: Catalysis for Biomass Conversion

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,270