TiO2 layer coated MoO3 nanorod supported Ni catalyst for selective hydrogenolysis of cellulose to ketones and alcohols

Abstract

Selective aqueous hydrogenolysis of cellulose to valuable ketones and alcohols is attractive for biomass utilization. This work developed a TiO₂ layer coated MoO₃ nanorod supported Ni catalyst for the hydrogenolysis of cellulose to ketones and alcohols, which achieved a maximum hexacarbon keto-alcohols yield of 71.2 % with a complete cellulose conversion at 220 °C and 3 MPa H₂. The interaction of Ni and TiO₂-MoO₃ oxides provided effective channels for hydrogen transfer, thereby boosting the reduction of MoO₃ to form MoO₂ species. More Lewis acid sites were created which facilitated the isomerization of glucose and retro-aldol condensation of fructose. The cleavage of CO bonds in hydroxyl-containing intermediates thus promoted their selective hydrogenolysis to form ketones and alcohols. Particularly, NiTiO₂/MoO₃ catalyst demonstrated excellent reusability due to the protective coating of TiO₂ layer and could be widely used in selective hydrogenolysis of various oxygen containing compounds.