Bifunctional Pd/Al-SBA-15 catalyzed one-step hydrogenation–esterification of furfural and acetic acid: A model reaction for catalytic upgrading of bio-oil

Al-SBA-15 supported palladium bifunctional catalysts were evaluated for one-step hydrogenation–esterification (OHE) of furfural and acetic acid as a model reaction for bio-oil upgrading. Experimental results show that it is viable to convert these unstable constituents of bio-oil to esters and alcohols through this simple and effective OHE reaction. The results of NH3–TPD and catalytic performances show that Al-SBA-15 with medium ratio of Si/Al favors the OHE reaction between furfural and acetic acid. It is noteworthy that there is a synergistic effect between the metal sites and the acid sites over composite bifunctional catalyst of 5%Pd/Al-SBA-15 for the OHE reaction.

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► Al-SBA-15 is much better than Al2(SiO3)3 for the OHE of FAL and HAc.
► Al-SBA-15 only with medium Al content favors the OHE of FAL and HAc.
► There is a synergistic effect for the OHE reaction over 5%Pd/Al-SBA-15 catalyst.
► The OHE method is a promising route for bio-oil upgrading.