Conversion of Biomass‐derived Aldehydes using Environmentally Benign CuNi nanocatalyst

Abstract In the present work, bimetallic CuNi‐12 (1 : 2 molar ratio of Cu : Ni) was synthesized via a liquid‐phase reduction method and utilized for the efficient and selective hydrogenation of biomass‐derived aldehydes and ketones with 2‐propanol as hydrogen source and KOH as base. The synergistic effect between copper and nickel metal enhanced the catalytic activity and selectivity. Bimetallic CuNi‐12 nanocatalyst is highly efficient and sustainable for converting various aldehyde and ketones with 100 % conversion and selectivity. Biomass derived alcohol i. e. furfural, cinnamaldehyde, 5‐hydroxy methyl furfural were utilized as substrate and converted into alcohol with 100 % conversion and selectivity. Bimetallic nanocatalyst CuNi‐12 having high surface area and it is reusable, magnetically separable and recyclable up to seven cycles.