Selective conversion of biomass-derived furfural to cyclopentanone over carbon nanotube-supported Ni catalyst in Pickering emulsions

A well-characterized carbon nanotube-supported nickel catalyst (Ni/CNTox) was assembled at the liquid-liquid interface and evaluated for the conversion of furfural. The nanoparticles were found to be mainly distributed on the interface of the emulsion droplets, forming stable Pickering emulsion. Catalytic activity was studied under different reaction conditions to determine an optimal condition for the rearrangement of furfural to cyclopentanone, an important precursor to valuable chemicals. It was found that the highest furfural conversion (35%) and cyclopentanone yield (25%) was obtained at 200 degrees C, 2 MPa of H-2 pressure, and with the same dodecane/water ratio after 1 h of reaction.