Study of Pd/MgO Catalysts for Furfural Alcohol Amination

Abstract

Recent interest in catalytic approaches has focused on their efficiency in converting biomass into chemicals and fuels. Palladium-based catalysts, in particular, are highly valued in industry. This study systematically evaluates the structural and catalytic properties of palladium catalysts supported on MgO with varying Pd loadings. Catalysts with  Pd loadings ranging from 0.5 to 6 wt% were prepared using palladium chloride as a precursor. Characterization techniques including XRD, BET surface area, analysis, XPS, UV-DRS, TPR, TPD of CO₂, and CO chemisorption were employed. Results showed that CO uptake, palladium metal surface area, and Pd density increased with Pd loading up to 2 wt% and then decreased with higher loadings. Furfural reductive amination over palladium supported on MgO catalysts showed an increase in furfuryl amine production with higher Pd loading. The relationship between palladium dispersion and furfural reductive amination activity was investigated.