Non-noble Co supported on beta framework for hydrogenolysis of biomass-derived 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to renewable biofuel 2,5-dimethylfuran

Selective transformation of biomass platform molecule 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) into biofuel 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF) through hydrogenolysis path has attracted significant attention in the field of biomass catalytic conversion. In general, this process required supported noble catalysts under elevated temperature (423–533 K) and enough H₂ pressure (1–4 MPa). Herein, Co/Beta-DA catalysts with various Co loadings of 5–20 wt% were post-synthesized through wet impregnation. Benefiting from the relatively open channel systems and strong metal-support interactions, the obtained 10Co/Beta-DA with ∼10 wt% Co contents facilitated the hydrogenation of C=O bonds and the cleavage of C-O bonds, which was efficient for the selective hydrogenolysis from HMF to DMF (Conv._HMF ≥ 99.9 %, Sel._DMF ≥ 99.9 %) under mild reaction conditions (H₂ pressure, 1.0 MPa; temp., 423 K; time, 3 h). The innovative strategy of designing and preparing rational non-noble impregnated zeolite provided brand-new perspectives to solve the problems of high cost and harsh reaction conditions in the HMF hydrogenolysis process, which has the potential to convert biomass into renewable liquid fuels.