3D Flower-like Micro/Nano Ce–Mo Composite Oxides as Effective Bifunctional Catalysts for One-Pot Conversion of Fructose to 2,5-Diformylfuran

Three-dimensional flower-like Ce–Mo micro/nano composite oxides with different Ce/Mo atomic ratios (f-Ce10-xMoxOδ) were synthesized as effective bifunctional catalysts for one-pot conversion of fructose to 2,5-diformylfuran (DFF) via dehydration and aerobic oxidation. The catalytic activities of f-Ce10-xMoxOδ depended on their structure and physicochemical properties, which were closely related to their elementary compositions. The f-Ce9Mo1Oδ, which possesses polymeric octahedral MoOz species, the highest Oα ratio, BET surface area, and acidity density, exhibited the highest catalytic activity for DFF production. High DFF yields of 94% and 74% were obtained from f-Ce9Mo1Oδ catalyzed HMF oxidation and “one-pot” fructose conversion, respectively. Furthermore, f-Ce9Mo1Oδ is easily prepared, has low cost, and is ecofriendly, which has potential application in industrial production of DFF from fructose.