Non-noble Co supported on beta framework for hydrogenolysis of biomass-derived 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to renewable biofuel 2,5-dimethylfuran

Selective transformation of biomass platform molecule 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) into biofuel 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF) through hydrogenolysis path has attracted significant attention in the field of biomass catalytic conversion. In general, this process required supported noble catalysts under elevated temperature (423-533 K) and enough H-2 pressure (1-4 MPa). Herein, Co/Beta-DA catalysts with various Co loadings of 5-20 wt% were post-synthesized through wet impregnation. Benefiting from the relatively open channel systems and strong metal-support interactions, the obtained 10Co/Beta-DA with similar to 10 wt% Co contents facilitated the hydrogenation of C=O bonds and the cleavage of C-O bonds, which was efficient for the selective hydrogenolysis from HMF to DMF (Conv.(HMF) >= 99.9 %, Sel.(DMF) >= 99.9 %) under mild reaction conditions (H-2 pressure, 1.0 MPa; temp., 423 K; time, 3 h). The innovative strategy of designing and preparing rational non-noble impregnated zeolite provided brand-new perspectives to solve the problems of high cost and harsh reaction conditions in the HMF hydrogenolysis process, which has the potential to convert biomass into renewable liquid fuels.