A Non-Noble Monometallic Catalyst Derived from Cu-MOFs for Highly Selective Hydrogenation of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-Dimethylfuran

Selective hydrogenation of biomass 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to 2, 5-dimethylfuran (DMF) which is a suitable candidate for liquid fuel has been widely concerned. Developing efficient and economic catalysts for the hydrogenation of HMF to DMF under mild conditions is a crucial issue. Here series monometallic Cu-based catalysts were synthesized from controlled thermolysis of Cu-BTC metal-organic frameworks and characterized by TG, N-2 adsorption-desorption, XRD, XPS, SEM, TEM, and H-2-TPR techniques. The CuOx@C catalyst with Cu2O/Cu composites enwrapped in porous carbon matrix derived from Cu-BTC by two steps thermolysis treatment shows high hydrogenation activity with 100% conversion of HMF and 92% selectivity of DMF at 180 degrees C under 3 MPa H-2 pressure. The oxidation treatment following up the thermolysis of Cu-BTC under inert atmosphere increases the content of Cu+ in the catalyst and improves the activity of the catalyst, which is mainly owe to the synergetic effect between Cu+ and Cu-0.