Preparation of mesoporous oxides and their support effects on Pt nanoparticle catalysts in catalytic hydrogenation of furfural

► Mesoporous SiO2, Al2O3, TiO2, Nb2O5, and Ta2O5 were synthesized through a soft-templating approach as supports of catalysts. ► The Pt nanoparticles supported on mesoporous oxides were evaluated in the hydrogenation reaction of furfural. ► The supported 1.9 nm Pt nanopaticles produced dominantly furan as a major product on furfural hydrogenation. ► A TiO2 support facilitated an increase in the production of furfuryl alcohol via carbonyl group hydrogenation.