Glucose–Carbon Hybrids as Pt Catalyst Supports for the Continuous Furfural Hydroconversion in Gas Phase

• Main Authors: Sergio Morales-Torres, Luisa M. Pastrana-Martínez, Juan A. Pérez-García, Francisco J. Maldonado-Hódar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-01-01
• Series: Catalysts
• Subjects: activated carbon; carbon nanotubes; deactivation; decarbonylation; furan; furfural
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4344/11/1/49

Glucose–carbon hybrids were synthetized with different carbon materials, namely carbon nanotubes, reduced graphene oxide, carbon black and activated carbon by a hydrothermal treatment. These carbon hybrids were used as Pt-supports (1 wt.%) for the furfural (FUR) hydroconversion in the gas phase at mild operating conditions (i.e., P = 1 atm and T = 200 °C). The physicochemical properties (porosity, surface chemistry, Pt-dispersion, etc.) were analyzed by different techniques. Glucose–carbon hybrids presented apparent surface areas between 470–500 m² g⁻¹, a neutral character and a good distribution of small Pt-nanoparticles, some large ones with octahedral geometry being also formed. Catalytic results showed two main reaction pathways: (i) FUR hydrogenation to furfuryl alcohol (FOL), and (ii) decarbonylation to furane (FU). The products distribution depended on the reaction temperature, FOL or FU being mainly produced at low (120–140 °C) or high temperatures (170–200 °C), respectively. At intermediate temperatures, tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol was formed by secondary FOL hydrogenation. FUR hydroconversion is a structure-sensitive reaction, rounded-shape Pt-nanoparticles producing FU, while large octahedral Pt-particles favor the formation of FOL. Pt-catalysts supported on glucose–carbon hybrids presented a better catalytic performance at low temperature than the catalyst prepared on reference material, no catalyst deactivation being identified after several hours on stream.