Conversion of Biomass-derived Aldehydes using Environmentally Benign CuNi nanocatalyst

In the present work, bimetallic CuNi-12 (1 : 2 molar ratio of Cu: Ni) was synthesized via a liquid-phase reduction method and utilized for the efficient and selective hydrogenation of biomass-derived aldehydes and ketones with 2-propanol as hydrogen source and KOH as base. The synergistic effect between copper and nickel metal enhanced the catalytic activity and selectivity. Bimetallic CuNi-12 nanocatalyst is highly efficient and sustainable for converting various aldehyde and ketones with 100 % conversion and selectivity. Biomass derived alcohol i. e. furfural, cinnamaldehyde, 5-hydroxy methyl furfural were utilized as substrate and converted into alcohol with 100 % conversion and selectivity. Bimetallic nanocatalyst CuNi-12 having high surface area and it is reusable, magnetically separable and recyclable up to seven cycles.

Automated summary

A bimetallic CuNi-12 nanocatalyst was synthesized and used for the efficient and selective hydrogenation of biomass-derived aldehydes and ketones. The synergistic effect between copper and nickel enhanced the catalytic activity and selectivity. The CuNi-12 nanocatalyst showed high conversion and selectivity for various aldehydes and ketones, and it was also reusable, magnetically separable, and recyclable.