Study on Cu–Mn–Si catalysts for synthesis of cyclohexanone and 2-methylfuran through the coupling process

A series of Cu–Mn–Si catalysts for synthesis of cyclohexanone (CHN) and 2-methylfuran (2-MF) through the coupling of cyclohexanol (CHL) dehydrogenation and furfural (FFA) hydrogenation were prepared by co-precipitation method. The catalysts were characterized by using N2 physisorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), H2 temperature programmed reduction (H2-TPR), N2O-chemisorption and ammonia temperature-programmed desorption (NH3-TPD) methods. The results show that metal–silica/or metal–metal interactions are presented in the catalysts, and the contents of copper, manganese and silicon affect the BET surface area, acidity and copper dispersion. The results of the catalytic tests indicate that manganese increases the activity of CHL dehydrogenation and FFA hydrogenation as well as the selectivity of 2-MF. A Cu–Mn–Si catalyst including appropriate copper, manganese and silicon is found to be most active, selective and stable under reaction conditions.