Differential Adsorption of Functional Groups by Ru/Co Driving Tandem Catalysis: Converting Furanic Molecules into Linear Alcohols

Supported bimetallic and multimetallic catalysts have been widely utilized in the catalytic conversion of biomass derivatives into linear alcohols. However, product selectivity and yield are directly influenced by the extent to which distinct adsorption behaviors toward functional groups of furan compounds are exhibited by different metals. Unfortunately, research on methodologies for evaluating such differences in adsorption capabilities across various metals remains limited. Herein, in this study, a series of catalysts were synthesized and their catalytic performance was systematically assessed. Among them, RuCo/SBA-15 demonstrated the best performance, achieving complete conversion of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) with a linear alcohol yield exceeding 80%. Combined with in situ FTIR, theoretical calculations, and kinetic simulations, the first direct evidence of significantly different adsorption abilities of Ru and Co toward functional groups in different furan compounds is provided by this work. By leveraging this property, tandem catalysis involving Ru and Co was successfully realized in this study, enabling the one-pot conversion of furanic molecules to linear alcohols with a yield surpassing 80%, outperforming most previously reported catalytic systems. This research provides a new idea and theoretical reference for the technical development of converting biomass derivatives into linear alcohols.