One-pot conversion of furfural to 1,5-pentanediol over CuCoOx

Abstract This work investigates the one-pot conversion of furfural to 1,5-pentanediol using Cu-Co bimetallic oxide catalysts. The Cu 4.5 Co 3.5 O x catalyst was prepared via co-precipitation, achieving a 1,5-pentanediol yield of 27.2%. Characterization techniques revealed that the activity of the catalyst is due to the synergistic interaction between Cu and Co, the electronic transfer between Cu and Co, along with a high density of medium-strength and strong acid sites. This work provides a basic data reference for rational catalyst design in the selective hydrogenation of biomass compounds, contributing to sustainable and green chemistry.