Platinum–germanium and platinum–tin catalysts supported on silica, containing different amounts of Sn and Ge, were synthesized using the surface organometallic chemistry on metals technique. The catalysts were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectra and X-ray absorption near edge structure and extended X-ray absorption fine structure; and were tested in the liquid-phase selective hydrogenation of furfural. The atomic ratio between the two metals resulted the key factor towards the optimization of the activity and selectivity of the bimetallic catalysts. The bimetallic catalysts were more active than the parent Pt/SiO₂ catalyst in the hydrogenation of furfural. These results can be accounted for by considering a new type of active site having an architecture which would favor the hydrogenation of the C=O group is created, allowing an increased activity towards obtaining furfuryl alcohol. All the studied systems allowed to obtain furfuryl alcohol with high selectivity.Facultad de Ciencias ExactasCentro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Ciencias AplicadasInstituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas