Pd–Ru/TiO2 catalyst – an active and selective catalyst for furfural hydrogenation

Abstract

The selective hydrogenation of furfural at ambient temperature has been investigated using a Pd/TiO₂ catalyst. The effect of the solvent was studied and high activity and selectivity to 2-methylfuran and furfuryl alcohol was observed using octane as solvent but a number of byproducts were observed. The addition of Ru to the PdTiO₂ catalyst decreased the catalytic activity but improved the selectivity towards 2-methylfuran and furfuryl alcohol with decreased byproduct formation. Variation of the Ru/Pd ratio has shown an interesting effect on the selectivity. The addition of a small amount of Ru (1 wt%) shifted the selectivity towards furfuryl alcohol and 2-methylrofuran. Further increasing the Ru ratio decreased the catalytic activity and also showed a very poor selectivity to 2-methylfuran.