Progress of catalysts for hydrogenation of furfural to produce furfuryl alcohol and 2-methylfuran

Recent progress of catalysts for hydrogenation of furfural to produce furfuryl alcohol and 2-methylfuran is summarized. To furfuryl alcohol, environmental-friendly non-chrome catalysts are taken as dominant aspect. Properties and structure characterization of the catalysts for instance supported, alloy and ultra-fine amorphous alloy are discussed. Progress of the catalysts to 2-methylfuran is relatively slow,and focused on copper chromite,oxide containing chrome,alloy and supported type.It is pointed out that developing highly effective and environmentally friendly catalysts with low cost,is the key for improving production technology of furfural hydrogenation. Proposals about the research and application of the catalysts are put forward.