Nb-Based Catalysts for the Valorization of Furfural into Valuable Product through in One-Pot Reaction

Abstract

Nb-based catalysts supported on porous silica with different textural properties have been synthesized, characterized, and tested in the one-pot reaction of furfural to obtain valuable chemicals. The catalytic results reveal that the presence of fluoride in the synthesis, which limits the growing of the porous silica, limits diffusional problems of the porous silica, obtaining higher conversion values at shorter reaction times. On the other hand, the incorporation of NbOx species in the porous silica provides Lewis acid sites and a small proportion of Brönsted acid sites, in such a way that the main products are alkyl furfuryl ethers, which can be used as fuel additives.

Keywords

• furfural
• niobium catalysts
• furfuryl alcohol
• alkyl furfuryl ethers
• one-pot processes
• hydrogen catalytic transfer