Effect of copper on NiCu bimetallic catalyst supported on SBA-16 for the catalytic hydrogenation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-dimethylfuran

As a consequence of the rapid utilization of fossil resources, the effective, sustainable biomass transformation will get great importance towards the production of valuable chemicals. Here, we developed 5 wt% Ni loaded Cu(x) (where x = 8,10,12, &14%) supported on SBA-16 and evaluated its catalytic performance in the hydrogenation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF), which was carried out a bench top stainless steel autoclave reactor. The major product in the present reaction is 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF). A number of characterization techniques were used to clarify the effective loading of bimetals on SBA-16 and the novelty of catalysts. The prepared bimetallic catalysts reduction profile shifted towards lower temperatures compared to a monometallic catalyst, indicating stronger metal-metal interaction. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was performed to distinguish between oxide and metallic states of Ni and Cu. Among the prepared catalysts, 5Ni-12Cu/SBA-16 exhibited superior performance regarding the entire conversion of 5-HMF on account of better synergy between Cu and Ni species, well dispersion of the metal in the support, favorable surface acidity. Also, this catalyst shows a favorable DMF yield of 60.7%, and DMF is the major hydrogenation product in all the reactions. The reaction was thoroughly optimized and developed by a thorough investigation of various reaction parameters such as Ni/Cu ratio, temperature, pressure, reaction time, and catalyst recyclability.