Supported Pt-Ni bimetallic nanoparticles catalyzed hydrodeoxygenation of dibenzofuran with high selectivity to bicyclohexane

Catalytic hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) is one of the most effective methods to upgrade the oxygen-containing compounds derived from coal tar to valuable hydrocarbons. Herein, an efficient bimetallic catalyst Pt₁Ni₄/MgO was prepared and applied in the HDO of dibenzofuran (DBF). High yield (95%) of the desired product bicyclohexane (BCH) was achieved at 240 °C and 1.2 MPa of H₂. Superior catalytic performance could be ascribed to the “relay catalysis” of Pt sites and Ni sites, and the reaction pathway is proposed as well. Scale-up experiment and recyclability test were also performed, which demonstrated the recyclability and promising potential application of Pt₁Ni₄/MgO.