The investigation of hydrogenation behavior of furfural over sol-gel prepared Cu/ZrO2 catalysts

Hydrogenation of furfural over sol-gel Cu/ZrO2 catalysts was tested and selectivity to furfuryl alcohol (FA) and 2-methylfuran (MF) was investigated. Cu/ZrO2 catalysts were prepared by sol-gel method. BET, XRD, XPS, and TEM were used for characterization. The hydrogenation reactions were carried out by changing Cu content of the catalyst, the pressure, loading of catalyst, temperature, and time. The maximum 79.8% FA yield was obtained at 180 degrees C for 5 h under 1 MPa hydrogen pressure in the presence of 12% Cu containing non-noble metal catalysts. The maximum 56.4% MF yield was observed in the presence of 12% Cu containing metal catalysts at 200 degrees C under 2 MPa for 3 h. The increase in crystallinity of ZrO2 and decrease in BET surface area were observed after fifth use of 12% Cu containing catalyst. Although FA selectivity did not change, furfural conversion decreased from 100% to 58% at fifth reuse.