Abstract

In recent years, the production of high-value-added products from biomass-derived platform molecules has been considered an environmentally friendly alternative. In this context, we synthesized copper-based magnetic nanocatalysts and studied their application for the catalytic transfer hydrogenation of biomass-derived furfural (FF). Magnetic nanocatalysts based on copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) impregnated on different imidazole functionalized magnetic supports were prepared and characterized. TEM analysis demonstrated that the magnetic nanocatalysts consist of CuNPs and magnetic supports, while magnetic characterization confirmed their superparamagnetic behavior. Catalytic studies revealed that Cu@MSILP1 exhibited the highest conversion and selectivity for furfuryl alcohol. Through XPS analysis, we associated the enhanced catalytic activity with the positively polarized CuNP surface, which facilitates the adsorption of FF and isopropoxide. The stability of CuNPs and their positively polarized surface was influenced by their strong interaction with the imidazolium-derived ionic liquid of Cu@MSILP1. Recycling and post-reuse characterization tests indicated a 30% drop in conversion after five cycles. The results demonstrate the feasibility of designing a selective and reusable magnetic nanocatalyst to produce high-value chemical intermediates via the hydrogenation of biomass-derived substrates. © 2025 Elsevier B.V.