Ga2O3-Pt dual-site functionally separated catalyst for efficient hydrogenation of furfural under hydrogen spillover

The selective hydrogenation of furfural (FFL) to furfuryl alcohol (FAL) is an interest topic in the conversion of biomass. Herein, we present a Ga2O3-Pt two-component spatially isolated catalyst to achieve enhanced catalytic activity and selectivity under hydrogen spillover. Specifically, Pt and Ga2O3 active sites are confined in the micropores and mesopores of TS-1@mesoporous-silica, respectively. The Pt sites within the micropores is responsible for the activation of hydrogen while the Ga2O3 sites in mesopores acts as the active center for FFL activation. This synergistic effect of double site exhibits a significant improvement in catalytic activity and selectivity, with the turnover frequency (TOF) and FAL selectivity up to 72.2 h−1 and 96.5%, respectively. This strategy provides an idea for the understanding of synergistic nature in bicomponent catalysts under hydrogen spillover.