Efficient Cu/FeOx catalyst with developed structure for catalytic transfer hydrogenation of furfural

Design of efficient and easy-recycling copper catalysts for furfural hydrogenation provides alternative approaches for high-value added chemicals and fuel. In this work, the catalytic transfer hydrogenation of furfural was catalyzed by magnetic Cu/FeOx catalysts via sol–gel method to produce 2-methylfuran with high yield. Homogeneous Cu-Fe-Ox composition could be constructed in the calcined precursor. The growth and evolution of metal centers were modulated and monitored during thermal treatments. The synergy between CuO and FeOx rationally affected the reducibility of the catalyst precursors. After the deliberate two-step-thermal activation, CuO was readily reduced and extruded from FeOx host matrix via phase segregation to give fine Cu particles fastened by FeOx supporting layers. Both experiments and simulation explicitly confirmed the facile isopropanol dehydrogenation to donate hydrogen via small Cu clusters. The dehydroxylation pathway was preferentially happened on furfuryl alcohol with lower activation energy.