Regulation of acid/basic properties of Zr-Beta zeolite for efficient conversion of furfural to furfuryl alcohol

Zr-Beta zeolites with different acid/basic properties were prepared by hydrothermal and post-synthesis methods and subsequent alkaline treatment. The acid/basic properties of Zr-Beta zeolites were characterized by FT-IR spectra of hydroxyl region and probe molecule adsorption (CD3CN, pyridine and CHCl3). The effects of the acid/basic properties of Zr-Beta zeolites on the conversion of furfural (FUR) to furfuryl alcohol (FAL) via Meerwein-Ponndorf-Verley reduction were investigated and discussed. The results indicate that both Brønsted acid sites, including strong and weak Brønsted acid sites, and Lewis acid sites are effective for conversion of FUR, but high yield of FAL can only be obtained over Zr-Beta with sole Lewis acid sites of framework Zr due to the further conversion of FAL to furfuryl ether, angelica lactone and levulinate ester over Brønsted acid sites. Therefore, Al-free Zr-Beta(h) synthesized in fluoride media is more active and selective than the post-synthesized counterpart. Alkali (earth) metal cations modified Zr-Beta(h) can further eliminate weak Brønsted acid sites of silanols and at the same time generate basic sites. Thus, the activity and selectivity of Zr-Beta(h) are further enhanced. 99.5 % of FAL yield was obtained over Na-Zr-Beta(h) with 99.8 % of FUR conversion at 120 °C for 4 h.