@article{Zhang2026, 
author = {Wan Zhang and De-Chang Li and Yuan-Zheng Li and Qian Zhang and Guang-Hui Wang},
title = {Hollow NiZn-ZnAl2O4 nanospheres with synergistic interface for selective hydrogenation of furfural},
year = {2026},
journal = {Nano Research},
volume = {19},
number = {8},
pages = {94908757},
keywords = {furfural, hydrogenation, hollow structure, interface, spray-pyrolysis},
url = {https://www.sciopen.com/article/10.26599/NR.2026.94908757},
doi = {10.26599/NR.2026.94908757},
abstract = {The development of efficient and stable non-toxic catalysts to replace toxic CuCrOx for selective hydrogenation of furfural (FAL) to furfuryl alcohol (FOL) remains a key challenge. Herein, we report a citric acid-mediated spray-pyrolysis-reduction strategy that enables the facile synthesis of hollow-sphere NiZnAl catalysts with abundant and well-dispersed NiZn-ZnAl2O4 interfaces. The unique architecture ensures uniform elemental distribution and maximizes interfacial exposure, leading to exceptional catalytic performance: > 98% FAL conversion with 97% FOL selectivity under mild conditions, excellent recyclability, and broad substrate scope. Mechanistic studies reveal that the interfacial synergy promotes vertical FAL adsorption and raises the energy barrier for over-hydrogenation, thus dictating high selectivity. This work provides a generalizable interface-engineering approach for designing high-performance multifunctional catalysts in sustainable chemical transformations.}
}