Controlling the Production of Acid Catalyzed Products of Furfural Hydrogenation by Pd/TiO ₂

We demonstrate a modified sol-immobilization procedure using (MeOH)x/(H2O)1-x solvent mixtures to prepare Pd/TiO2 catalysts that are able reduce the formation of acid catalyzed products, e. g. ethers, for hydrogenation furfural. Transmission electron microscopy found significant increase in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) deposition at metal-support interface and temperature programmed reduction reduced uptake hydrogen, compared an established preparation. propose additional PVA hinders hydrogen spillover onto TiO2 support limits Brønsted sites, required produce ethers. Elsewhere, new preparation route was successfully anchor colloidal Pd surface, without need acidification. This work demonstrates potential minimizing process steps as well optimizing catalyst selectivity – both important objectives sustainable chemistry.