TiO2 layer coated MoO3 nanorod supported Ni catalyst for selective hydrogenolysis of cellulose to ketones and alcohols

Selective aqueous hydrogenolysis of cellulose to valuable ketones and alcohols is attractive for biomass utilization. This work developed a TiO 2 layer coated MoO 3 nanorod supported Ni catalyst for the hydrogenolysis of cellulose to ketones and alcohols, which achieved a maximum hexacarbon keto-alcohols yield of 71.2 % with a complete cellulose conversion at 220 °C and 3 MPa H 2 . The interaction of Ni and TiO 2 -MoO 3 oxides provided effective channels for hydrogen transfer, thereby boosting the reduction of MoO 3 to form MoO 2 species. More Lewis acid sites were created which facilitated the isomerization of glucose and retro -aldol condensation of fructose. The cleavage of C O bonds in hydroxyl-containing intermediates thus promoted their selective hydrogenolysis to form ketones and alcohols. Particularly, Ni TiO 2 /MoO 3 catalyst demonstrated excellent reusability due to the protective coating of TiO 2 layer and could be widely used in selective hydrogenolysis of various oxygen containing compounds.