Effect of promoter on selective hydrogenation of furfural over Cu-Cr/TiO2 catalyst

The selective hydrogenation of furfural has been investigated over the titania-supported monometallic (Cu) and bimetallic (Cu–Cr) catalysts. The catalytic performances were assessed over 4 h of run length under atmospheric pressure at the hydrogen-to-hydrocarbon ratio of 10.6 and 453 K. The results represented that the level of furfural conversion over the non-promoted catalyst was very low (below 10%) while the promoted one showed considerable furfural conversion during this period (higher than 70%). However, both catalysts exhibited high durability and selectivity towards furfuryl alcohol.