Research Projects

Furfural (FA) is a valuable platform chemical for producing Tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol (THFA), but the one-pot selective hydrogenation of FA to THFA under mild operating conditions remains a challenge due to competitive decarbonylation and dexoygenation reactions. Pd-based catalysts have reported high THFA yields and selectivity (up to 95%) under mild operating conditions, while Ni and Cu-based catalysts require harsher conditions. Most studies have been conducted under liquid phase, and commercial scale-up would require continuous flow vapour phase studies to avoid catalyst separation and leaching problems. Transition metal bimetallic catalysts have demonstrated enhanced catalyst activity and selectivity through modification of the electronic structure and atomic arrangement at the active site. The addition of Co to Pd lowers ring hydrogenation barriers and inhibits ring opening and decarbonylation reactions. Oxide supports have been used for furfural hydrogenation, but their effect on product selectivity for furfural hydrogenation is still unexplored. This work investigates vapour phase hydrogenation of FA on supported Pd-Co bimetallic catalysts under mild reaction conditions in a lab-scale continuous flow fixed bed reactor. Results will pave the way for technological scale-up of furfural hydrogenation to THFA.