A noble-metal free Cu-catalyst derived from hydrotalcite for highly efficient hydrogenation of biomass-derived furfural and levulinic acid

Abstract

A Cu-catalyst derived from hydrotalcite precursor was highly selective for the hydrogenation of biomass-derived furfural and levulinic acid. 90% yield of furfuryl alcohol and 51% yield of 2-methylfuran were achieved selectively in the hydrogenation of furfural. 91% yield of γ-valerolactone was achieved in the hydrogenation of levulinic acid.