Tuning the synthesis of platinum–copper nanoparticles with a hollow core and porous shell for the selective hydrogenation of furfural to furfuryl alcohol

Pt–Cu nanoparticles constructed with a hollow core and porous shell have been synthesized in which Pt–Cu cages with multiporous outermost shells are formed at the initial stage and then the Pt and Cu atoms in solution continuously fed these hollow-core of cages by passing through the porous tunnels of the outermost shells, finally leading to the formation of hollow structures with different sizes. Furthermore, these hollow-core Pt–Cu nanoparticles are more effective than the solid-core Pt–Cu nanoparticles for the catalytic hydrogenation of furfural toward furfuryl alcohol. The former can achieve almost 100% conversion of furfural with 100% selectivity toward the alcohol.