Tailoring the selectivity of Cu-based catalysts in the furfural hydrogenation reaction: Influence of the morphology of the silica support

• Cu particles supported on silica by strong electrostatic adsorption were smaller than 5 nm. The textural properties of the support impacted both conversion and selectivity. commercial fumed was more prone to suffer from deactivation mesoporous ones. over mesocellular foam provided higher metallic surface lower acidity. fluoride addition during synthesis shortened channels silica, decreasing deactivation. nanoparticles incorporated different porous supports (commercial SBA-15 synthesized at room temperature under hydrothermal conditions, foam) method tested in gas-phase furfural hydrogenation for production furfuryl alcohol 2-methylfuran, being latter a promising biofuel. copper species metal particle sizes nm all cases. However, catalytic behaviors, terms selectivity, detected due morphology each support. deactivation, it yields, probably its acidity area. On other hand, agglomeration together with larger pore complicated access active sites using support, thus activity. In contrast, which length (mesocellular foam), facilitated area This fact led gradual still attaining high values 2-methylfuran yield (95 76%, respectively) after h 190 °C. changed selectivity pattern along 48 regeneration, increasing decreased number available sites.