Oxidative esterification of renewable furfural on gold-based catalysts: Which is the best support?

•Gold-based catalysts were investigated in the oxidative esterification of furfural.•Catalytic performances follow the trend: Au/ZrO2>Au/CeO2≫Au/TiO2.•High Au dispersion and specific surface area are essential for good conversion.•Suitable acid–base properties of the support are important for good selectivity.•Au/ZrO2 fulfills the compromise and proved to be active, selective, recyclable. Gold-based catalysts over different supports were investigated in the oxidative esterification of furfural by employing an efficient and sustainable process. The catalytic performances follow the trend: Zirconia–Au>Ceria–Au≫Titania–Au. Zirconia came out to be the best support option to promote activity, selectivity and also stability. The chemical and morphological properties observed for zirconia-supported sample seem to fulfill a good compromise between high gold dispersion and the presence of suitable acid–base properties, for good selectivity. Moreover, stability and recycling of the catalysts were also investigated.