Selective Hydrogenation of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-Bis(hydroxymethyl)furan over Hydroxyl-Enriched Pt/CeO₂ Catalysts

The chemical conversion of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) into high-value-added products offers a potential substitute for fossil-based products, which has garnered significant attention in light of energy depletion and environmental concerns. Among the various HMF derivatives, 2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)furan (BHMF), applicable in polyester manufacturing, pharmaceutical intermediates, biodiesel, and other sectors, can be synthesized through the C═O hydrogenation of HMF. However, the inevitable humins formation and the over-hydrogenation/hydrogenolysis constrain the further application of this process. In this study, a series of hydroxyl-enriched Pt-based catalysts have been prepared and applied in the hydrogenation of HMF. For 1% Pt/CeO2, the selectivity for BHMF over 85% can be consistently maintained at 30 °C or at a substrate concentration of 100 g/L. Experiments and characterization studies indicate that hydroxyl groups presented on the catalyst surface could protect BHMF, inhibiting side reactions and thereby increasing carbon balance and main product selectivity. This superior selective catalytic performance was further demonstrated in the C═O hydrogenation over various aromatic aldehyde substrates, providing a novel approach for biomass compounds conversion to value-added chemicals and providing a perspective for catalyst design.