Kinetics of hydrogenation of furfural to furfuryl alcohol over copper chromite catalyst and optimum regeneration procedures

Abstract EN

The deactivation mechanism of a copper chromite catalyst, used in selective hydrogenation of furfural to furfuryl alcohol, was investigated and the methods to regenerate it were searched.

The catalyst deactivation mechanisms was found to be due to the fouling resin macromolecules, formed by side reactions of furfural on the catalyst surface.

The optimum catalyst regeneration was by one drying at 110 degrees C for 5 days, heating at 325 degrees C for 18 hours followed by refluxing in cyclohexanol for 4 hours.

The conversion to furfuryl alcohol by the regenerated sample in vapor phase hydrogenation was 78 per cent, compared to 79.5 per cent for the fresh catalyst.