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.

Graphical abstractThe 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 full-size imageDownload 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.