Hierarchical Nitrogen-Doped Porous Carbon-Supported Cobalt Nanoparticles for Promoting Catalytic Transfer Hydrogenation of Furfural

Hierarchical nitrogen-doped porous carbon-supported cobalt nanoparticles (Co/HNPC) with a high specific surface area were used for the catalytic transfer hydrogenation reaction of furfural (FF). The experimental results showed that Co/HNPC achieved 97.6% FF conversion and 95.3% furfuryl alcohol (FOL) selectivity at 120 degrees C and 4 h under mild conditions. The excellent catalytic performance is mainly determined by the synergy between the metal and HNPC support, as well as the loading of the metal itself. Furthermore, the stability of Co/HNPC catalyst was also enhanced due to the high specific surface area and N doping of HNPC support.