LAUSR

Abstract A series of Cu-based catalysts with different supports were synthesized and studied for the in situ hydrogenation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) to dimethylfuran (DMF) using methanol as an economical hydrogen donor. The structures and properties of the four catalysts (Cu/Al2O3, Cu/ZnO, Cu/ZrO2, and Cu/CeO2) were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), temperature-programmed reduction (H2-TPR), and temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia (NH3-TPD). The experimental results showed that the use of different supports for the Cu-based catalysts significantly influenced their activity for both H2 production from methanol and hydrogenation of 5-HMF. The catalyst Cu/Al2O3 showed the best catalytic activity, which can be attributed to the highest activity for the in situ H2 production from methanol, smallest Cu crystallite size, and strongest acidity. The effects of the substrate concentration, catalyst loading, and reaction temperature and time on the in situ hydrogenation of 5-HMF were systematically investigated to determine the optimum reaction conditions.