The structure-sensitive of Cu catalyst for furfural conversion to furfuryl alcohol: A theoretical study

The structure-sensitive of Cu catalyst for furfural hydrogenation to furfuryl alcohol was explored by employing Cu(111) and Cu(211) model systems. Herein, the adsorption behavior of reactants and intermediates, and the possible reaction mechanism of furfuryl alcohol formation were investigated. For furfuryl alcohol formation, the preferred pathway is F-CHO + 2H→F-CH₂O + H→F-CH₂OH, in which the second H addition is the rate-determining step. Meanwhile, Cu(211) surface exhibits higher activity to furfuryl alcohol formation than that on Cu(111) surface. According to our analysis, the undercoordinated sites on the Cu(211) surface could facilitate H₂ dissociation and stabilize the adsorbed furfural, thereby promoting the furfural hydrogenation and the furfuryl alcohol formation. This work provides a feasible approach for regulating the catalytic activity and selectivity in furfural conversion.