Alcohol

Catalysis

Adsorption

Hydrodeoxygenation

Composite number

Engineering

Yield (engineering)

5-hydroxymethylfurfural

Metallurgy

Materials science

Carbon fibers

Inorganic chemistry

Chemical engineering

Isopropyl alcohol

Activated carbon

Hydrogen

Organic chemistry

Dehydrogenation

Composite material

Chemistry

Selectivity

Isopropyl

Copper

Applied Catalysis B Environment and Energy

Selective hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-dimethylfuran is of great importance. We reveal a simple pathway for green and efficient HDO using readily available copper with in-situ hydrogen generation. A highly dispersed Cu/PBSAC catalyst consisting of small metallic Cu0 nanoparticles carries out isopropyl alcohol (IPA) dehydrogenation and subsequent HDO of HMF. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the dehydrogenation of IPA is more favorable on Cu(211) with a lower energy barrier of ~0.6 eV. This facet exists in a higher ratio on nanosized catalysts. Batch reactions using Cu/PBSAC at 190 °C exhibited 91.9% HMF conversion and 71.7% DMF selectivity in 6 hr, and > 96% DMF yield in 10 hr. The mechanical strength of the carbon support is ideal for continuous processing for increased productivity; we demonstrate a > 90% DMF yield at 1/WHSV of 2.4 hr. The process demonstrated here can be integrated with upstream HMF separation utilizing carbon adsorbents.

Selective hydrodeoxygenation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF) over carbon supported copper catalysts using isopropyl alcohol as a hydrogen donor