Promotional role of Ru in bimetallic catalysts for selective transfer hydrogenation of bio-based furfural

Catalytic transfer hydrogenation (CTH) is recognized as a particularly significant and sustainable approach for the preparation of liquid fuels and high value-added fine chemicals from biomass resources, without using external hydrogen. Herein, a series of nitrogen-doped carbon-encapsulated bimetallic Cu-Ru (CuRu@CN) catalysts were developed via a facile one-pot method, achieving efficient CTH of bio-based furfural (FFR) to 2-methylfuran (MF). The optimized Cu1Ru0.051@CN (Cu/Ru ratio of 0.051) displayed similar to 99.9 % FFR conversion and similar to 91.0 % MF yield under mild conditions, with excellent recyclability over four cycles. The excellent catalytic performances are mainly attributed to the synergistic interaction between Cu and Ru, which effected electronic properties, surface morphology, and acid-base site distribution. Particularly, this synergistic effect can be cleverly modulated by adjusting the Cu/Ru molar ratio. Furthermore, isotopic labeling experiments revealed a detailed reaction mechanism, providing valuable insights in understanding the FFR hydrogenation process. This study offers a novel strategy for designing advanced bimetallic catalysts, contributing to the development of sustainable biomass valorization technologies.