We are pleased to announce the publication of our collaborative research, "Furfural Hydrogenation into Tetrahydrofurfuryl Alcohol Under Ambient Conditions: Role of Ni-Supported Catalysts and Hydrogen Source," in Industrial Crops & Products. This study introduces an innovative method for converting biomass-derived furfural (FAL) into tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol (THFA) using Ni-supported catalysts in conjunction with sodium borohydride (NaBH4) as a hydrogen source. This work provides a highly efficient and cost-effective approach for producing THFA, an important green solvent and industrial chemical.
Key Findings:
- Efficient Hydrogenation with Ni/AC Catalysts: Among the Ni-supported catalysts tested, Ni on activated carbon (Ni/AC) demonstrated the highest catalytic activity, achieving a 99% yield of THFA at ambient temperature and pressure. The hydrophobicity of the AC support, higher BET surface area, and smaller Ni particle size were key factors that contributed to the catalyst’s superior performance in aqueous media.
- Role of NaBH4 in Hydrogenation: The study highlights the crucial role of NaBH4 as a hydrogen source. The presence of NaBH4 not only provided hydrogen for the hydrogenation of furfural but also facilitated the conversion of furfuryl alcohol (FOL) into THFA. Experimental and computational methods showed that NaBH4 plays an essential role in enhancing the adsorption of the furan ring on the Ni surface, improving the efficiency of the hydrogenation reaction.
This study provides a significant advancement in the field of catalytic hydrogenation, offering a scalable and sustainable method for producing THFA, which has applications in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and as a biodegradable solvent.
For more details, please access the full publication here.