Efficient Preparation of Liquid Fuel 2,5-Dimethylfuran from Biomass-Derived 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural over Ru-NaY Catalyst

An efficient catalytic process for the selective conversion of biomass-derived 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to high quality liquid fuel 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF) was achieved over Ru nanoparticles dispersed on NaY zeolite. The structural and morphological features of the catalysts were studied by using various physicochemical characterization techniques. HMF conversion of 100 mol % with 78 mol % DMF yield was achieved using 2 wt %Ru-NaY catalyst in a short duration of the reaction. This catalyst displayed excellent recyclability without any loss in activity when it was used for five times. The study clearly showed that well-dispersed Ru nanoparticles are highly active and selective for the conversion of HMF to DMF. The reaction pathway for the conversion of HMF to DMF was explored by monitoring the reaction intermediates at different stages and intervals of the reaction.