Facile synthesis of supported Pd catalysts by chemical fluid deposition method for selective hydrogenation of biomass-derived furfural

Abstract In this work, we reported the facile synthesis of the supported Pd nanoparticles on various supports (MCM-41, TiMCM-41, ZrMCM-41, SnMCM-41, SiO2, Al2O3) by chemical fluid deposition (CFD) methods, which were highly selective for the hydrogenation of biomass-derived furfural. A combination analysis of various characterization techniques was used to study the physical properties of the synthesized metal Pd nanoparticles. The different product distribution was strongly related to the type of supports, and the strength of interaction between the furan ring and the metal surface. It was found that the fabricated Pd nanoparticles supported on amorphous supports (SiO2, Al2O3) were efficient for the synthesis of furfuryl alcohol. In contrast, Pd supported on mesoporous supports (TiMCM-41, ZrMCM-41, SnMCM-41) were highly selective for the production of furfuryl alcohol and tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol. Besides, Pd nanoparticles confined in the mesoporous channel was more stable, displaying no clear difference even recycle for three times. This works further documents the strategy to confine Pd nanoparticles is beneficial for the utilization of precious metal, enhancement of mass transportation with less resistance, higher activities and the improved stability.