Catalytic Upgrading of Biomass‐Derived Furfural to 1,5‐Pentanediol Over Magnesium Oxide–Supported Copper–Cobalt Catalysts

ABSTRACT

1,5‐Pentanediol (1,5‐PeD), a valuable platform chemical derived from furfural (FA), holds a pivotal role in the industrial production of polymers. However, converting FA to high‐value 1,5‐PeD via hydrogenolysis with non‐precious metal catalysts is a promising yet challenging approach. In this study, CuCo/MgO catalysts were synthesized via coprecipitation, with the 2Cu38Co/MgO catalyst showing superior catalytic efficiency, achieving a 1,5‐PeD yield of 42.2%. Introducing Cu alters the extent to which Co species are reduced, resulting in more Co ²⁺ ‐oxygen vacancy (O _v )pairs. Synergistic catalysis among different active sites is crucial for the effective functioning of catalysts. Extensive characterization analysis results reveal that Cu ⁰ and Co ²⁺ ‐O _v pairs have synergistic catalytic effects. Dissociation of hydrogen occurs on Cu nanoparticles, rapidly hydrogenating FA adsorbs on MgO to furfuryl alcohol (FOL), and the dissociated FOL adsorbs on the Co ²⁺ ‐O _v pairs, opening the ring to generate 1,5‐PeD. The study provides novel insights into the development of non‐noble metal catalysts to upgrade biomass‐derived FA to 1,5‐PeD.