Work

Constructing Spatially Separated Ru Nanoparticles on Basic Support for the Hydrogenation of Ethyl Levulinate to γ-Valerolactone

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Gamma-valerolactone (GVL) can be used as a renewable solvent, flavoring agent, and precursor to produce liquid fuels and fine chemicals. GVL is mainly produced by the efficient hydrogenation of levulinic acid and its esters over a wide range of bifunctional catalysts under harsh conditions because high temperature is generally required for GVL formation. So far, the hydrogenation of levulinic acids/esters under mild conditions remains a great challenge. In this study, 2 wt.% Ru was loaded onto ZSM-5 zeolite (MFI) via a deposition–precipitation method and further wrapped by crystallization, forming a core–shell structure. Moreover, the wrapped Ru catalyst was coated with a petal-like layer of Mg3Si4O9(OH)4 (MgSiO3) via a hydrothermal reaction in a Mg(NO3)2 solution, thereby introducing alkalinity and achieving spatial separation of Mg and Ru. This dual-functional catalyst reduces the inhibitory effect of Mg on the Ru active center and enables efficient preparation of GVL from ethyl levulinate (EL) under mild conditions, achieving 100% EL conversion and 98% GVL selectivity in the aqueous phase at 80 °C in 2 h under 0.5 MPa of H2.

Source: Catalysts

DOI: 10.3390/catal16020185

Authors: Jie Yang, Yongsheng Liu, Xiaowen Guo, Qi Yang, Yejun Guan

Institutions: Shanghai University of Electric Power, East China Normal University

Language: English

Topic: Catalysis for Biomass Conversion

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,654

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality