Hydroprocessing of furfural over in situ generated nickel phosphide based catalysts in different solvents

The present work is dedicated to the nickel phosphide based catalysts, containing particles, generated in situ in the reaction medium from the different catalytic systems. The present catalytic systems exhibited high activity in the hydroprocessing of furfural. Full conversion of furfural depending on conditions was reached after 0.5-3 hours of reaction at 250-350 degrees C. 2-methylfuran was obtained as a main product in toluene with the highest selectivity of 77 %. Ethyl levulinate and 2-methylfuran with selectivity of 40 % and 38 % respectively were obtained as main products in ethanol under different conditions. Different reaction medium and nickel phosphide precursors had an influence on the obtained phases of catalysts. Ni12P5 and Ni2P were obtained in toluene from oil-soluble precursors and Ni12P5 was obtained in ethanol from water-soluble precursors.