Synthesis and characterization of bimetallic catalysts Pd-Ru and Pt-Ru supported on γ-alumina and zeolite FAU for the catalytic transformation of HMF

•Bimetallic catalysts Pd-Ru and Pt-Ru supported on FAU and γ-Al2O3 were synthesized.•Two crystallographic phases coexisting in the synthesized zeolite (LTA and FAU).•The phase FAU prevailing when the material was calcinated at 550 °C.•The formation of the Pd-Ru alloy phase was confirmed by XPS and HRTEM.•Pd-Ru was more selective metal combination to added-value furan derivatives.•Pd-Ru/FAU lost less metal after its first use than Pd-Ru/ γ-Al2O3.•Re-used Pd-Ru/FAU was more selective to furan derivatives and less to byproducts. It is well known the effects and limitations of the use of fossil fuels, for that reason is necessary to establish alternative sources of energy. The 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is a chemical compound that can be obtained from the carbohydrates present in the biomass. Is a key compound for the obtaining of several valuable chemicals, many of them have a promising application as biofuels. In the present work, Pd-Ru and Pt-Ru bimetallic catalysts with low metal content (0.5%) supported on commercial γ-Al2O3 and FAU zeolite prepared by hydrothermal method, were synthesized and characterized to transform HMF into valuable chemicals under mild reaction conditions. Two crystallographic phases were found to coexist in the zeolite synthesized as support, the FAU phase prevailing over the LTA when calcined at 550 °C. The system studied with formic acid as hydrogen donor, under mild reaction conditions, showed a partial hydrogenation of HMF molecule evidenced in the 5-MF and 2,5-DMF formation. Also, a partial oxidation and esterification is happening for the formation of 2,5-DFF and 5-A-2-F, respectively. The catalysts supported on FAU showed better conversion of HMF that catalysts supported on γ-Al2O3. Although all metals showed catalytic activity by separed, Pd-Ru combination was more selective to produce 5-MF, 2,5-DMF and 2,5-DFF than Pt-Ru combination, and showed production of valuable furan derivatives even in their second and thir use. Pd–Ru/FAU catalyst formed a PdRu alloy phase, which can be related to its better catalytic performance.