Studies on bimetallic Cu–Ag supported alumina catalysts for hydrodeoxygenation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-dimethylfuran‡

Selective synthesis of 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF) from 5-hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF) by hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) was studied over Ag-promoted Cu/γ-Al2O3 catalysts. A series of bimetallic Ag–Cu supported on γ-Al2O3 catalysts with varying Ag amounts were prepared and characterized using different techniques. The results indicated that the addition of Ag to Cu/γ-Al2O3 improved the dispersion of Cu in the catalyst, and the activity of Cu–Ag catalysts was dependent on the amount of Ag present. The catalyst with 2 wt% Ag-10% Cu exhibited a highest DMF yield of 93% with the complete conversion of HMF at 180 °C, and its activity was well correlated with its characteristics. The study also established the optimum reaction conditions for these catalysts and demonstrated their good reusability upon recycling. These findings provide valuable insights into the design and development of efficient and sustainable catalytic processes for the production of DMF from HMF.