Method for hydrogenation of furfural to bio-fuel

2:

• The method of claim 1, wherein the catalyst comprises rhodium nanoparticles in an amount of 1 wt. % based on a total weight of the catalyst.

3:

• The method of claim 1, wherein the catalyst comprises rhodium nanoparticles in an amount of 0.1 to 5 wt. % based on a total weight of the catalyst.

4:

• The method of claim 1, wherein the heating is carried out in an autoclave.

5:

• The method of claim 1, wherein the reaction mixture is stirred at a speed of 200 to 300 revolutions per minute (rpm) during the heating.

6:

• The method of claim 1, wherein the alumina is an alpha-alumina, α-Al2O3.

7:

• The method of claim 1, wherein the catalyst is in the shape of nanoparticles having an average particle size of 10 to 15 nm.

8:

• The method of claim 7, wherein the nanoparticles are agglomerated.

9:

• The method of claim 8, wherein the agglomerated nanoparticles form larger particles having a particle size of 5 to 20 μm separated by one or more crevices having a width of 1 to 5 μm and a length of 5 to 50 μm.

10:

• The method of claim 7, wherein the nanoparticles have a rhombohedral structure.

11:

• The method of claim 7, wherein the nanoparticles have a d-spacing of 0.15 to 0.3 nm.

12:

• The method of claim 1, wherein the heating occurs at a pressure of 20 to 40 bar in a hydrogen atmosphere.

13:

• The method of claim 1, wherein the heating occurs at a pressure of 25 to 35 bar in a hydrogen atmosphere.

14:

• The method of claim 1, wherein the heating occurs at a temperature of 40 to 130° C.

15:

• The method of claim 1, wherein the heating occurs at a temperature of 110 to 130° C.

16:

• The method of claim 1, wherein the heating occurs for a time of 20 to 30 hours.

17:

• The method of claim 1, wherein the heating occurs for a time of 23 to 25 hours.

18:

• The method of claim 1, wherein the ethanol is neat ethanol.

19:

• The method of claim 1, wherein 0 wt. % of the furfural is reacted to form a difurfuryl ether.