PdCu single atom alloys supported on alumina for the selective hydrogenation of furfural

Islam, Mohammed J.; Granollers Mesa, Marta; Osatiashtiani, Amin; Manayil, Jinesh C.; Isaacs, Mark A.; Taylor, Martin J.; Tsatsos, Sotirios; Kyriakou, Georgios

Abstract

Single-atom catalysts serve as a skilful control of precious metals on heterogenous catalysts where all active sites are accessible for catalytic reactions. Here we report the adoption of PdCu single-atom alloys supported on alumina for the selective hydrogenation of furfural. This is a special class of an atom efficient, single-site catalyst where trace concentrations of Pd atoms (0.0067 wt%) displace surface Cu sites on the host nanoparticle. Confirmed by EXAFS, the Pd atoms are entirely coordinated to Cu, with Pd-Cu bond lengths identical to that of a Cu-Cu bond. Selectively surface oxidised catalysts also confirm surface Pd atoms by EXAFS. These catalysts improve the conversion of furfural to furfuryl alcohol compared to monometallic catalysts, as they have the advantages of Cu (high selectivity but poor activity) and Pd catalysts (superior activity but unselective) without the drawbacks, making them the optimal catalysts for green/atom efficient catalysis.

Citation

Islam, M. J., Granollers Mesa, M., Osatiashtiani, A., Manayil, J. C., Isaacs, M. A., Taylor, M. J., …Kyriakou, G. (2021). PdCu single atom alloys supported on alumina for the selective hydrogenation of furfural. Applied catalysis. B, Environmental, 299, Article 120652. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcatb.2021.120652

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Aug 19, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Aug 21, 2021
• Publication Date: Dec 15, 2021
• Deposit Date: Aug 24, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 22, 2022
• Journal: Applied Catalysis B: Environmental
• Print ISSN: 0926-3373
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 299
• Article Number: 120652
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcatb.2021.120652
• Keywords: Palladium; Copper; Furfural; Hydrogenation; Single-atom catalysts
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/3826141