Catalytic and structural properties of co-precipitated Mg-Zr mixed oxides for furfural valorization via aqueous aldol condensation with acetone

▶ Zr4+ presence at the surface of MgO generates the most active sites for aldol condensation of furfural with acetone: Mg-O-Zr species. ▶ This reaction is the initial step to synthesize second generation biofuels from lignocellulosic biomass.