Bimetallic overlayer catalysts with high selectivity and reactivity for furfural hydrogenation

Silica-supported platinum overlayer on nickel (Ni@Pt) or copper (Cu@Pt) catalysts were synthesized and tested for furfural hydrogenation. H2 chemisorption and an ethylene hydrogenation descriptor showed weakened H2 binding strength of both overlayer catalysts compared to pure Pt, consistent with literature predictions. Cu@Pt showed higher turnover frequencies of furfural hydrogenation compared to pure Pt and pure Cu. This improved reactivity is likely due to fewer Pt sites being blocked by strong hydrogen adsorption as a result of decreased H2 binding strength of Pt overlayer compared to pure Pt.