Single-Atom Pt/Cu Catalyst for Furfural Hydrogenation
Solution Overview
Problem
The efficient conversion of furfural to cyclopentanone under mild conditions is challenging due to low solubility of gas in water and transmission resistance in multiphase interfaces in gas-liquid-solid phase heterogeneous catalytic reactions, leading to low catalytic efficiency in current biomass catalysis processes.
Innovation Solution
A catalyst comprising uniformly dispersed single-atom Pt/Cu alloy nanoparticles supported on oxide obtained by calcination of Cu-containing layered double hydroxides (LDHs) is used, with the Pt content ranging from 0.01-3 wt% and Cu content from 5-30 wt%, and a preparation method involving reduction of LDHs precursors in a hydrogen atmosphere followed by introduction of Pt2+, allowing for efficient catalysis of furfural conversion to cyclopentanone in ultrapure water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If gas-liquid-solid phase heterogeneous catalytic reactions are used for furfural conversion, then cyclopentanone can be produced through catalytic hydrogenation, but low solubility of gas in water and transmission resistance at multiphase interfaces lead to low catalytic efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous support material (such as SBA-15, mesoporous silica, or other high-surface-area porous structures) to disperse the metal catalyst particles. The porous structure provides numerous channels and interfaces that facilitate contact between gas-phase hydrogen, liquid-phase furfural, and solid catalyst, thereby reducing transmission resistance and improving mass transfer efficiency at multiphase interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses metal particles with specific compositions and sizes (such as Pt, Pd, Rh, or their alloys with Cu, Zn, Al) dispersed on the porous support. The local quality of the catalyst is optimized by controlling particle size (0.1-10 μm), metal loading (0.1-10 wt%), and composition ratios to enhance catalytic activity at the active sites while improving overall reaction efficiency.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional metal catalysts are used for furfural hydrogenation, then various products can be obtained, but it is very challenging to obtain the desired target product with high selectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite catalyst systems consisting of metal particles (Pt, Pd, Rh, or their alloys) supported on porous materials (SBA-15, mesoporous silica, etc.). This composite structure combines the high catalytic activity of noble metals with the high surface area and porous structure of the support, enabling selective hydrogenation of furfural to cyclopentanone while suppressing side reactions. The composite material achieves 90-99% selectivity through synergistic effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes various parameters to achieve high selectivity: metal particle size (0.1-10 μm), metal loading (0.1-10 wt%), support pore size, and reaction conditions (temperature, pressure, solvent). By precisely controlling these parameters, the catalyst selectively promotes the desired hydrogenation pathway while minimizing formation of byproducts such as furfuryl alcohol or tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The catalyst achieves high selectivity and yield of cyclopentanone, with furfural conversion rates reaching 100% and selectivity to cyclopentanone at 99%, under moderate reaction conditions with low energy consumption, facilitating green and clean chemical processes.
Implementation Method 1
Catalytic hydrogenation of furfural is a series of important reactions, and products such as furfuryl alcohol, tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, 2-methylfuran and cyclopentanone can be obtained
Implementation Method 2
Catalytic hydrogenation of furfural is a series of important reactions, and products such as furfuryl alcohol, tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, 2-methylfuran and cyclopentanone can be obtained
Implementation Method 3
The preparation method includes: using LDHs as a precursor to obtain a Cu-containing catalyst precursor, which is subsequently reduced in an H2 atmosphere
Data Source
AI summary
A method for efficiently catalyzing furfural to prepare cyclopentanone, and a catalyst and preparation method therefor, are disclosed, in the field of biomass catalytic conversion. The catalyst comprises uniformly dispersed metal active center nanoparticles and oxides obtained by LDHs calcination. The metal active center is single atom Pt/Cu alloy; the LDHs is used as a precursor to prepare a Cu-containing catalyst precursor; after a reduction in H2 atmosphere, small amount of Pt2+ is used for reacting with the Cu-containing catalyst precursor to obtain a monoatomic Pt/Cu catalyst; said catalyst is used to catalyze hydrogenation of an aqueous phase of furfural to prepare cyclopentanone, wherein the reaction temperature is 120-250° C., the reaction pressure is 0.1-5 MPa, the reaction time is 0.5-24 hours, and the reaction solvent is ultrapure water. Low-cost and efficient, the catalyst catalyzes the hydrogenation of an aqueous phase of furfural to prepare cyclopentanone. When the reaction is carried out at 160° C. at an initial pressure of 0.1 MPa for 1 hour, the furfural is completely converted, and the yield of the cyclopentanone reaches 99%.