Effect of activation temperature on the surface copper particles and catalytic properties of Cu–Ni–Mg–Al oxides from hydrotalcite-like precursors

The Cu–Ni–Mg–Al oxides catalysts for furfural hydrogenation were prepared from the hydrotalcite-like precursors, and the effect of activation temperature on the Cu0 particles and catalytic properties of the catalyst was thoroughly investigated. The catalyst activated by H2 at 300 °C was found to exhibit the best catalytic activity, due to the presence of the smallest Cu0 particles with a high dispersion. Moreover, the bigger Cu0 particles were active for furfuralcohol hydrogenolysis to 2-methylfuran in the liquid-phase (ethanolic solution), and the hydrogenation of the furan ring of furfuralcohol and 2-methylfuran on Cu0 particles was easily achieved in the vapour-phase.

The copper metallic particle size increases with the increasing activation temperature for Cu–Ni–Mg–Al oxides catalyst from the hydrotalcite-like precursor, and the catalyst activated by H2 at 300 °C gives a high catalytic activity for the FFR hydrogenation both in the liquid and vapour-phase system.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch Highlights
► The prepared catalysts for furfural hydrogenation don't contain Cr.
► 300 °C is the optimum activation temperature.
► Higher temperature leads to the agglomeration of Cu particles.
► The agglomeration of Cu particles results in the decrease on its catalytic properties.