Hydrogenation of furfural by noble metal-free nickel modified tungsten carbide catalysts

Nickel–tungsten carbide catalysts convert furfural to high value products in a liquid phase catalytic reaction. The product distribution depends on the solvent and the Ni–W-ratio of the catalyst. In isopropyl alcohol a combination of Ni and W(x)C enables the opening of the furan ring to yield 1,2-pentanediol. Nickel accelerates the tungsten oxide reduction in the tungsten carbide catalyst synthesis and facilitates the carbon insertion. Nickel modified tungsten carbide is a promising, noble metal-free catalyst system for the upgrading of furfural based renewable resources. Its preparation is facilitated compared to unmodified tungsten carbide catalysts.