Synergistic Interaction between Ruthenium Catalysts and Grafted Niobium on SBA-15 for 2,5-Furandicarboxylic Acid Production using 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural

This study entailed the synthesis of a novel Ru-bound catalyst decorated on Nb-grafted SBA-15. An Nb-grafted SBA-15 support with varying Si/Nb ratios was utilized as a support for Ru nanoparticles. The effect of Nb grafting on the immobilized Ru nanoparticle catalyst was systematically investigated, and its catalytic performance in the synthesis of furan dicarboxylic acid using 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) under base-free reaction conditions was evaluated. The results indicate the increased productivity of the Ru/Nb-grafted SBA-15 catalyst, with a yield exceeding 99%, representing a significant advancement in catalysis. This study also affords insights into the complex relationship between the catalytic activity and selectivity and its unique surface attributes. Moreover, acidic sites were created, and the electron density within the active sites was modulated by generating monomeric Nb oxide species on the SBA-15. Additionally, the role of high-electron-density Ru atoms in facilitating the efficient adsorption and activation of HMF, resulting in enhanced catalytic efficacy, was highlighted.