Efficient Hydrogenation of Furfural to Furfuryl Alcohol Using Cu‐Impregnated Chromium Silicate Catalysts in Ethanol Media

ABSTRACT A 10 wt.% Cu‐impregnated chromium silicate catalyst was synthesized via a sol–gel method followed by hydrothermal treatment using PDADMAC as a mesoporogen. XRD confirmed the formation of an MFI‐type structure and its preservation after copper incorporation and reduction, with CuO and Cu 0 identified in the impregnated and reduced samples, respectively. TGA indicated water desorption and decomposition of residual organics, while N 2 physisorption revealed mesoporosity. H 2 ‐TPR and XPS analyses showed the coexistence of Cr 6 + /Cr 3 + and Cu 2 + /Cu 0 species, with ∼60% copper reducibility. SEM and TEM analyses revealed spherical particles decorated with CuO nanoparticles, slit‐like pores, and Cu aggregates of ∼6 nm. The reduced catalyst exhibited high performance in furfural hydrogenation in ethanol, achieving 100% conversion and 86% selectivity toward furfuryl alcohol. Kinetic analysis yielded a turnover frequency of 5.14 × 10 −3 s −1 , consistent with a Langmuir–Hinshelwood–Hougen–Watson mechanism. Post‐reaction analyses confirmed structural stability, although partial Cu 0 reoxidation led to slight deactivation. Reactivation restored full conversion with 84% selectivity. Overall, the catalyst shows high activity, stability, and recyclability under mild conditions.