Copper-Based Metal–Organic Framework: Synthesis, Characterization and Evaluation for the Hydrogenation of Furfural to Furfuryl Alcohol

Pamela S. Moyo, Gift Mehlana, Leah C. Matsinha, Banothile C.E. Makhubela

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

A novel Cu-MOF was synthesized at room temperature from commercially available and inexpensive reagents. The pre-catalyst was characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, Brunauer-Emmet-Teller (BET) and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The Cu-MOF was characterized as microporous material with BET surface area and pore volume of 7.47 m2/g and 0.27 cm3/g, respectively, and is stable in most solvents. The MOF was evaluated as a heterogeneous catalyst for the hydrogenation of furfural to furfuryl alcohol (FA). Cu-MOF exhibited a high conversion of FF (76%) with selectivity towards FA (100%) at 140 °C, 50 bar for 24 h. The MOF was reused four consecutive times with a loss in catalytic performance. The decrease in catalytic activity could be attributed to the formation of inactive Cu(0) as revealed by HR-TEM and XPS studies. The HR-TEM of spent Cu-MOF showed a uniform particle size diameter of 3.5 nm. This work is significant in providing new strategies for the design and fabrication of highly selective MOF catalysts for the FF upgrading.

Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of Inorganic and Organometallic Polymers and Materials
DOIs
Publication statusAccepted/In press - 2024

Keywords

  • Furfural upgrading
  • Furfuryl alcohol
  • Heterogeneous catalyst
  • Metal–organic framework

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Polymers and Plastics
  • Materials Chemistry

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