What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to develop a high-performance Ir-based catalyst for the conversion of furfural into 2-methylfuran using a novel synthesis method.

March 25, 2026

Eucalyptus Charcoal-Supported Single-Atom Ir Catalyst for Hydrodeoxygenation of Furfural: Role of Water-Assisted Pyrolysis

Key Points

This research aims to develop a high-performance Ir-based catalyst for the conversion of furfural into 2-methylfuran using a novel synthesis method.
Created eucalyptus carbon-supported single-atom Ir catalyst using water-assisted pyrolysis.
Investigated the effects of pyrolysis conditions on Ir species and their oxidation states.
Measured the conversion rates and selectivity of furfural to 2-methylfuran under specific reaction conditions.
Achieved furfural conversion of 99.9% with 2-methylfuran selectivity at 95.7%.
Confirmed high performance is due to stable Ir oxidation states and effective catalysis from the support.
Demonstrated reaction occurred under mild conditions (160 °C, 1 MPa H2, and 0.5 h).

Abstract

We herein present a water-assisted pyrolysis strategy to synthesize a eucalyptus carbon-supported single-atom Ir catalyst (IrSACs/C-500). Water suppressed Ir reduction in IrSACs/C-500 during pyrolysis, increased the Ir-O content, and stabilized Ir oxidation states. When applied to the hydrodeoxygenation of furfural (FF) to 2-methylfuran (2-MF), IrSACs/C-500 achieved a FF conversion of 99.9% and a 2-MF selectivity of 95.7% under mild conditions of 160 °C, 1 MPa H2, and 0.5 h. The high performance is mainly attributed to the combined effect of the high-valent Ir and the C-500 support, which facilitated the activation of C═O in FF and the cleavage of C-O in intermediates.

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Cite This Study

Ming et al. (Mon,) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69c37b33b34aaaeb1a67d70e https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.inorgchem.6c00689

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