Selective Conversion of Furfural into Diols over Co-Based Catalysts: Importance of the Coordination of Hydrogenation Sites and Basic Sites

1,5-Pentanediol (1,5-PDO) is a feedstock for synthesis of polyesters and polyurethanes, and its selective production from furfural is a desirable route but very challenging. In this study, the production of 1,5-PDO from furfural was investigated over the Co–Mg–Al catalyst, containing abundant hydrogenation sites and basic sites. Using layered double hydroxides as the catalyst precursor benefited dispersion of metallic Co particles via preventing migration of cobalt species and developing pore structures. Furthermore, the Co–Mg–Al catalyst possessed abundant basic sites, rendering its superior catalytic activity to Co–Al or Co–Mg catalysts. In situ diffuse reflectance infrared spectroscopy (DRIFTS) characterization for FA conversion demonstrated that the cooperation of abundant hydrogenation sites and basic sites facilitated a strong adsorption of C–O–C and carbon–carbon double-bond groups, which benefited the conversion of FA into diols.