Catalytic conversion of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) over Pd-Ru/FAU zeolite catalysts

Abstract

We present this study on FAU-type zeolites were prepared varying the Si/Al ratio (4, 5 and 6) and crystallization time (4, 6 and 8 h) to produce a highly pure and homogeneous material with enhanced surface area values. Bimetallic Pd-Ru and Pt-Ru (0.5 wt.% of each metal) were impregnated onto the zeolites matrix by the incipient wetness impregnation method. The materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen physisorption, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scattering Electronic Microscopy (SEM), Scattering and Transmission Microscopy (STEM), temperature-programmed desorption (TPD), temperature-programmed desorption (TPR) and Inductively Couples Plasma- Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). Results indicated that using lower Si/Al ratios favored the catalytic activity. Also, the longest crystallization time had a positive effect on surface area, homogeneous particle size distribution and crystallinity. The catalytic performance in the esterification of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) to produce 5-acetoxymethylfurfural (AcMF) was investigated. The maximum 5-HMF conversion of 87.28 % was achieved using pure zeolite with relation Si/Al = 5, and 8 h of crystallization. Pd-Ru supported onto same zeolite showed a conversion of 84.22 %. The highest selectivity towards AcMF of 71.29 % with pure zeolite Si/Al = 5 and 8 h of crystallization was achieved, followed by Pd-Ru/FAU with Si/Al = 5 and 8 h of crystallization, achieving 60.42 %. Finally, results shown that the interaction between the properties of zeolitic support and the metallic species, specifically Pd, had a positive effect in the catalytic process the pristine zeolite showed improved catalytic characteristics related to its acid strength.