Synergistic Effect of Ni/W/Cu on MgAl(2)O(4) for One-Pot Hydrogenolysis of Cellulose to Ethylene Glycol at a Low H(2) Pressure

[Image: see text] Nickel and tungsten, combined with copper, were incorporated into a magnesium aluminum spinel to form a multifunctional catalyst (Ni–W–Cu/MgAl(2)O(4)). Characterization results suggested that the adjacent Cu not only facilitated the reduction of W(6+) to W(5+) with substantial oxygen vacancies but also promoted the reducibility of the Ni species. Besides, the incorporation of Ni, W, and Cu into the support enhanced the catalytic acidity, as well as the L acid sites. The catalyst exhibited a strong synergistic effect between the three metals and the support, resulting in higher catalytic activity for the one-pot hydrogenolysis of cellulose to ethylene glycol. High cellulose conversion (100%) and ethylene glycol yield (52.8%) were obtained, even under a low H(2) pressure of 3 MPa.