Oxidative esterification of renewable furfural on gold-based catalysts: Which is the best support?

Gold-based catalysts over different supports were investigated in the oxidative esterification of furfural by employing an efficient and sustainable process. The catalytic performances follow the trend: Zirconia–Au > Ceria–Au ≫ Titania–Au. Zirconia came out to be the best support option to promote activity, selectivity and also stability. The chemical and morphological properties observed for zirconia-supported sample seem to fulfill a good compromise between high gold dispersion and the presence of suitable acid–base properties, for good selectivity. Moreover, stability and recycling of the catalysts were also investigated.