Optimizing CuNi catalysts for long-term vapor phase hydrogenation of levulinic acid to γ-valerolactone: Influence of the support on activity and stability
Eliana Quiroga , Bernay Cifuentes , Santiago Yara , Julia Moltó , Martha Cobo
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
The conversion of biomass-derived levulinic acid (LA) to γ-valerolactone (GVL) is crucial for sustainable chemical and fuel production. This study evaluates the vapor phase hydrogenation of LA using Cu-Ni bimetallic catalysts supported on various metal oxides and their impact on the pathways of LA conversion. Specifically, we examine the influence of AlO2, SiO2, ZrO2-SiO2, and CeO2-SiO2 on catalyst performance and stability. Cu-Ni catalysts supported on SiO2 modified with citric acid (SiO2-CA) exhibited superior stability, while the one supported on Al2O3 showed higher activity. The enhanced performance of the SiO2-CA-supported catalyst is attributed to its moderate acidity (379.3 µmol/gcat) and resistance to sintering. Stability tests reveal that although both CuNi/Al2O3 and CuNi/SiO2-CA catalysts deactivate over time, the latter demonstrates slower deactivation and better reactivation potential, maintaining conversion close to 80 % for 42 h. The study highlights the role of support in optimizing catalytic performance for LA hydrogenation.
期刊介绍:
Applied Catalysis A: General publishes original papers on all aspects of catalysis of basic and practical interest to chemical scientists in both industrial and academic fields, with an emphasis onnew understanding of catalysts and catalytic reactions, new catalytic materials, new techniques, and new processes, especially those that have potential practical implications.
Papers that report results of a thorough study or optimization of systems or processes that are well understood, widely studied, or minor variations of known ones are discouraged. Authors should include statements in a separate section "Justification for Publication" of how the manuscript fits the scope of the journal in the cover letter to the editors. Submissions without such justification will be rejected without review.