Efficient one-pot transformation of furfural to pentanediol over Cu-modified cobalt-based catalysts

[Display omitted] •One-pot conversion of furfural to 1,5-pentanediol was achieved.•High yield 1,5-pentanediol (53.4%) was obtained over 5Cu-30Co/CeO2 catalyst.•Cu-Co metal synergy resulted in elevated selectivity for 1,5-pentanediol. Pentanediols are substances with significant market potential as the key monomers for advanced polymeric materials. In this study, we successfully achieved directly hydrogenolysis of biomass-based furfural to 1,5-pentanediol with a remarkable yield of 53.4 % using Cu-modified cobalt supported on cerium dioxide catalysts. Through comprehensive characterization techniques, including H2-TPR, NH3-TPD, XPS, EPR and Raman analysis, the study revealed that the introduction of Cu altered the dispersion of Co species, attenuated the interaction between Co species and cerium dioxide, enhanced its reduction extent, and fostered the formation of plentiful cobalt oxide species and oxygen vacancies on the catalyst’s surface. The cooperative influence of Cu and Co heightened the selectivity of the hydrogenolysis reaction. This work provides a novel strategy for the development of greener and more efficient catalytic processes based on non-precious metals that for the selective conversion of biomass-derived furfural to high-value pentanediols.