Conversion of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 1,6-hexanediol over metals supported Al-MCM-41

Abstract

This research realizes the direct transformation of biomass-based 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) into high-value 1,6-hexanediol (1,6-HDO) over a bifunctional Pd/Al-MCM-41 catalyst. Various metals (Pd, Pt, and Ni) supported on Al-MCM-41 catalysts were synthesized through the incipient wetness impregnation method. Experimental findings indicated that the 7%Pd/Al-MCM-41 system demonstrates the optimized performance at 160 °C, 3 MPa H2 and 3 h, successfully achieving an HMF conversion of 99.08% and a maximum 1,6-HDO yield of 39.45%. Characterizations via XRD, BET, and NH3-TPD revealed that such efficiency stems from well-dispersed Pd nanoparticles and the proper acidic properties of Al-MCM-41 support, the cooperation of metal-acid dual sites (1.29 mmol/g), facilitating the selective hydrogenolysis and opening of the furan structure. Furthermore, the as-prepared catalyst exhibited favorable stability and recyclability. This work offers significant strategic guidance for the sustainable and high-efficiency synthesis of 1,6-HDO.