Facile synthesis of Ni/Fe3O4 derived from layered double hydroxides with high performance in the selective hydrogenation of benzaldehyde and furfural

• Robust Ni/Fe 3 O 4 catalysts originated from Nife-layered double hydroxides (LDHs). • Ni/Fe 3 O 4 was efficient for the selective upgrading of biomass derived benzaldehyde and furfural. • The strong interaction between ni particles and Fe 3 O 4 support enhances activity and stability. • The solvent effect on reaction products is identified and elucidated. Efficient upgrading of biomass-derived platform chemicals plays a crucial role in the sustainable synthesis of fine chemicals. Herein, the noble-metal free and robust Ni/Fe 3 O 4 catalysts originated from NiFe-layered double hydroxides (LDHs) was efficient for the selective upgrading of benzaldehyde (BzH) and furfural (Fur), accordingly, the highest yield of fine chemical benzyl alcohol (99.0%, BAL) and biofuel 2-methylfuran (78.4%, 2-MF) were obtained under mild conditions over the Ni/Fe ratio of 1, respectively. These performance is far superior to most of preciously reported candidates and their counterpartners. Systematic characterizations further revealed that Ni 2+ /Fe 3+ ratio was closely related to the dispersion and the surface acidity of catalysts, which played crucial roles in achieving excellent catalytic performance. Besides, the solvent effect, reaction parameters and reusability of catalysts in the hydrogenation process of benzaldehyde were then studied as example. Finally, the reaction pathways of benzaldehyde and furfural hydrogenation were rationally proposed. This work provides a promising way to upgrade biomass-derived chemicals.