Green Synthesis of Pd–Fe Catalyst Supported on ɣ-Al2O3 Using Gobernadora Extract (Larrea tridentata) for the Hydrogenation of 2-Methylfuran to Biorefinery Products

In the present work, a Pd–Fe bimetallic catalyst supported on gamma alumina was obtained by green synthesis, using gobernadora extract ( Larrea tridentata ) from the northwestern region of Mexico as a reducing agent. The bimetallic catalyst was used in the hydrogenation of 2-methylfuran, a molecule from biomass derivatives such as furfural, to obtain chemical products with high added value. Through HPLC analysis of the gobernadora extract, reducing agents (antioxidants) were identified, such as: chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid and ferulic acid. Conversions of up to 41% of 2-MF were achieved at 270 °C reaction temperature with a maximum selectivity towards 2-MTHF of 58%. Consequently, it was found that the 3:1 Pd–Fe molar ratio in the catalyst favors the formation of the bimetallic alloy Pd–Fe, which in turn enhances the obtention of value-added chemicals such as 2-MTHF.