Abstract

Ni/CNTox catalysts with variable metal content have been prepared to investigate their emulsifying and catalytic properties for the liquid-phase conversion of furfural. The solid catalysts and emulsions were analyzed by several characterization techniques. The catalytic activity linearly increased with increasing Ni content (up to 10 wt.%) before dropping down again for a Ni content of 15 wt.%. The loss of catalytic activity was attributed to larger emulsion droplets formed by the inhibition of hydrophilic sites. All Ni/CNTox catalysts were highly selective to cyclopentanone as a main product, while several changes regarding secondary products were observed. Ni/CNTox catalysts with a Ni content up to 10 wt.% favor the formation of levulinic acid, while catalysts with a Ni content of 15 wt.% were selective to tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol. This was attributed to an inhibition of the acid sites thus favoring the catalyst's hydrogenation capacity.