Catalytic conversion of starch into valuable furan derivatives using supported metal nanoparticles on mesoporous aluminosilicate materials

Catalytically active supported metal nanoparticles on aluminosilicates including Cu and Pd-based systems were investigated in the microwave-assisted conversion to a range of valuable furanic compounds via tandem formic acid-promoted dehydration and subsequent selective hydrogenation processes. Results show that interesting selectivities to reduced products including 5-methylfurfural and 5-methylfurfuryl alcohol as well as hydroxymethylfurfural and furfural could be obtained in various proportions depending on the type of catalyst and the investigated reaction conditions. The investigation of reaction parameters including time of reaction, type of catalyst, quantity of catalyst and formic acid content indicated that reaction conditions can in principle be fine-tuned to maximise selectivity towards individual products.