Furfural hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) over silica-supported metal phosphides – The influence of metal–phosphorus stoichiometry on catalytic properties

The gas-phase hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of furfural, a model compound for bio-based conversion, was investigated over transition metal phosphide catalysts. HDO activity decreases in the order Ni2P ? MoP > Co2P WP ? Cu3P Fe2P. Nickel phases (e.g., Ni2P, Ni12P5, Ni3P) are most promising catalysts furfural HDO. Their selectivity to gasoline additives 2-methylfuran and tetrahydro-2-methylfuran can be adjusted by varying P/Ni ratio. effect P on catalyst properties as well reaction mechanism were depth first time. An increase stoichiometry weakens furan-ring/catalyst interaction, which contributes lower ring-opening ring-hydrogenation activity. On other hand, an increasing content does lead stronger carbonyl/catalyst i.e., ?2(C, O) adsorption configuration, C1O1 bond (Scheme 1) carbonyl group enhances conversion. Phosphorus species also act Brønsted acid sites promoting hydrogenolysis furfuryl alcohol, hence contributing higher production 2-methylfuran.