Oxidative esterification of renewable furfural on gold-based catalysts: Which is the best support?

• Gold-based catalysts were investigated in the oxidative esterification of furfural.
• Catalytic performances follow the trend: Au/ZrO2 > Au/CeO2 ≫ Au/TiO2.
• High Au dispersion and specific surface area are essential for good conversion.
• Suitable acid–base properties of the support are important for good selectivity.
• Au/ZrO2 fulfills the compromise and proved to be active, selective, recyclable.

Gold-based catalysts over different supports were investigated in the oxidative esterification of furfural by employing an efficient and sustainable process. The catalytic performances follow the trend: Zirconia–Au > Ceria–Au ≫ Titania–Au. Zirconia came out to be the best support option to promote activity, selectivity and also stability. The chemical and morphological properties observed for zirconia-supported sample seem to fulfill a good compromise between high gold dispersion and the presence of suitable acid–base properties, for good selectivity. Moreover, stability and recycling of the catalysts were also investigated.

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