Ce‐Modified MgFe−LDH Supported Au Particles: An Efficient Catalyst for Base‐Free Selective Oxidation of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5‐Furandicarboxylic Acid

Abstract

Abstract5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) was selectively oxidized to 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) using an effective catalytic system made of Au particles supported on Ce‐modified MgFe layered double hydroxide. The structural features and performance of the as‐prepared catalysts were examined using a range of characterizations, and the impact of altering reaction parameters was explored. It was demonstrated that the presence and quantity of Ce and Mg species in the catalyst formulation were the primary determinants of the activity of the Au@Mg−N−M−LDH catalysts (M=Ce, Cu, Mn, Zr, and N=Fe, Al). The catalyst Au@MgFeCe−LDH, loaded with 1 wt % Au, exhibited outstanding catalytic activity in the production of FDCA, achieving complete HMF conversion and 90 % FDCA selectivity. This was accomplished through a two‐step heating procedure, involving initial heating of the reaction medium at 40 °C for 2 hours followed by a subsequent heating at 100 °C for 6 hours, conducted under an oxygen pressure of 5 bar.