Insights on the One-Pot Formation of 1,5-Pentanediol from Furfural with Co-Al Spinel-based Nanoparticles as an Alternative to Noble Metal Catalysts

CoAl-spinel nanoparticles prepared by liquid-feed flame spray pyrolysis (L-F FSP) and activated by reduction at different temperatures were used to investigate the hydrogenation process of furfural (FA) under mild conditions. Reduction of the spinel at 500 degrees C resulted in high FA conversion and selectivity to furfuryl alcohol (FFA, 81% yield, in 1hour). Reduction at higher temperatures (i.e., 700 and 850 degrees C) led to the direct formation of diols (i.e., 1,5-PeD and 1,2-PeD) from FA. The differences in activity are attributed to the formation of surface metallic cobalt nanoparticles upon reduction at high temperature. A maximum of 30% 1,5-PeD was yielded after 8hours of reaction under the optimized conditions of150 degrees C, 30bar of H-2 and with 40mg of catalyst reduced at 700 degrees C. This is the first report on the direct catalytic conversion of furfural to1,5-pentanediol with a non-noble metal solid catalyst.