Selective Hydrogenation of Furfural to 2-Methylfuran by Co–Pt/ZrO2: Electron Regulation at the Co Center by a Pt-Lean System

Abstract

Furfural upgrading to 2-methylfuran represents a pivotal transformation in biomass valorization, offering a sustainable route to high-energy-density biofuels and versatile chemical intermediates. Herein, we recently synthesized a series of Co–Pt/ZrO2 catalysts and applied them as a highly efficient system to transform furfural selectively into 2-methylfuran. Results suggested that the bimetallic Co–Pt system facilitated the formation of the ZrO2 support in a tetragonal phase as well as the stabilization of both Co0 and Pt0 in reduced states. A strong interaction between Co and Pt was evidenced, and abundant Co–Pt interfaces were constructed even in the presence of Pt-lean Co20Pt1/ZrO2 system, causing electron transfer between Pt and the neighboring Co species. It subsequently changed the surface distribution of medium and strong acid sites, resulting in the promoted cleavage of the C–O(H) bond in the intermediate to produce 2-methylfuran. The stability of both the catalyst performances and the sample structure was simultaneously enhanced by the bimetallic Co20Pt1/ZrO2. 2-MF yield of 91.4% could be achieved at 220 °C with a very fast reaction rate of 3.74 mol2-MF/molCo/h.