This study investigates the effect of preparation strategies on the state of active species in Beta zeolite supported P and Ni catalysts,to develop high⁃performance catalysts for the selective hydrogenation of furfural.A series of P⁃modified Beta zeolite supported Ni catalysts were prepared by stepwise introduction of Ni and P through different methods.Various characterization techniques were employed to investigate the state of Ni species,and their catalytic performance in the selective hydrogenation of furfural was evaluated.The results revealed that Ni species introduced via the in⁃situ hydrothermal method were uniformly encapsulated within the zeolite channels.P introduced via mechanical mixing migrated into the channels and interacted with Ni to form Ni2P species during reduction treatment.The high content of Ni2+ in P⁃Ni@Beta indicated a strong metal⁃support interaction.The reaction results demonstrated a blue shift in the C-O stretching frequency,indicating electron transfer from Ni to P,which reduced the electron density around Ni.The reaction results indicated that Ni δ+ species,acting as Lewis acid sites,efficiently promoted the selective hydrogenation of furfural.Under conditions of 110 ℃ and 1 MPa H2,a furfuryl alcohol yield of 68.6% was achieved after 1 h of reaction.