High-performance CuNi-alloy catalysts for efficient solvent-free hydrogenation furfural to furfuryl alcohol

Achieving high substrate concentration and low hydrogen pressure in alcohol production has long posed a challenge in catalysis, especially solvent-free hydrogenation reactions. Herein, we report a NiCu-alloy catalyst with both high activity and excellent stability for the solvent-free hydrogenation of furfural (FF) to furfuryl alcohol (FA) at 110 degrees C and 3 bar H-2. Cu1Ni1Ox/C gave a turnover frequency as high as 13458.8 h(-1), significantly outperforming reported reaction systems (<6273 h(-1)). Upon scaling up the reaction system to 100 mL, the yield of FA remained above 99 %. The study of adsorption sites unveiled the critical role of Ni-0(111) in the homolytic cleavage of H-2 and FF adsorption via the mode of eta(2)(O)-aldehyde. The upward shift of the d-band center in the copper-doped catalyst improved the adsorption configuration of FF and reduced the reaction barrier more efficiently. Moreover, Cu1Ni1Ox/C catalyst can be employed for the solvent-free hydrogenation of aldehydes and ketones derivatives with versatile structures. Overall, this research enhances the comprehension of electronic interactions at the interface of CuNi-alloy catalysts and offers a promising approach for designing catalysts for solvent-free hydrogenation of aldehydes and ketones.