Catalytic Response and Stability of Nickel/Alumina for the Hydrogenation of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural in Water

The catalytic response of Ni on Al2O3 obtained from Ni-Al layered double hydroxides was studied for the liquid-phase hydrogenation of hydroxymethyl furfural to tetrahydrofuran-2,5-diyldimethanol (THFDM) in water. The successive calcination and reduction of the precursors caused the removal of interlayer hydroxyl and carbonate groups and the reduction of Ni2+ to Ni-0. Four reduced mixed oxide catalysts were obtained, consisting of different amount of Ni metal contents (47-68wt%) on an Al-rich amorphous component. The catalytic activity was linked to Ni content whereas selectivity was mainly affected by reaction temperature. THFDM was formed in a stepwise manner at low temperature (353K) whereas 3-hydroxymethyl cyclopentanone was generated at higher temperature. Coke formation caused deactivation; however, the catalytic activity can be regenerated using heat treatment. The results establish Ni on Al2O3 as a promising catalyst for the production of THFDM in water.