Ultra-Dilute high-entropy alloy catalyst with core-shell structure for high-active hydrogenation of furfural to furfuryl alcohol at mild temperature

Furfuryl Alcohol (FOL) from the catalytic hydrogenation of furfural represented a promising intermediate for industrial application. However, the high selectively of FOL in mild temperature was limited due to the over hydrogenation. Here, we synthesized the novel ultra-dilute high-entropy alloys (HEAs) with multiple metal sites and core–shell structure for boosting the selectivity of furfural hydrogenation to furfuryl alcohol. The results showed that the furfural was converted to FOL with the conversion of 87.32% and selectivity of 100% at 90℃ over ultra-dilute HEA (NiCoCuZnFe/C-800). The catalyst had redistribution of electrons between Cu (2.00) and atomically dispersed Zn (1.65) due to the different electronegativity. The electron-rich Cu repelled the furan ring and prevented the over hydrogenation, while the atomically dispersed Zn presented the strongest –CHO adsorption performance. Moreover, the core–shell structure enhanced the stability of the catalysts during hydrogenation reaction and the porous carbon shell improved the transferring of furfural and electronic.