Synthesis of CoCuMgOx/Al₂O₃ and its catalytic study for dehydration of 1,4-butanediol

In this study, Co and Cu-modified MgO x /Al 2 O 3 catalysts were developed for the dehydrate-cyclization of 1,4-butanediol (BDO) to tetrahydrofuran (THF). The CoCuMgO x /Al 2 O 3 prepared by co-precipitation-calcination method showed nearly 100% conversion of BDO and 98.35% selectivity of THF at 200 0 C under air conditions. The characterizations revealed that the Co 3+ -O-Cu + synergistic sites, spinel-type CuCo 2 O 4 and highly dispersed Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles play important roles in the inhibition of the metal oxides agglomeration. Moreover, the surface acidic sites drive the protonation of hydroxyl groups within the BDO molecule and synergize the Cu + /Co 3+ redox pair to regulate the dehydrogenation/dehydration competition pathway.