Catalytic Valorisation of Biomass-Derived Levulinic Acid to Biofuel Additive γ-Valerolactone: Influence of Copper Loading on Silica Support
Author | Boddula, Rajender |
Author | Shanmugam, Paramasivam |
Author | Srivatsava, Rajesh K. |
Author | Tabassum, Nabila |
Author | Pothu, Ramyakrishna |
Author | Naik, Ramachandra |
Author | Saran, Aditya |
Author | Viswanadham, Balaga |
Author | Radwan, Ahmed B. |
Author | Al-Qahtani, Noora |
Available date | 2024-09-16T10:35:13Z |
Publication Date | 2023 |
Publication Name | Reactions |
Resource | Scopus |
ISSN | 2624781X |
Abstract | γ-valerolactone (GVL) is a crucial chemical feedstock used in the production of fuel additives, renewable fuels, and fine chemicals alternative to petroleum-based solvents and chemicals, supporting the transition to sustainable energy solutions. It is promptly acquired by hydrogenating levulinic acid (LA) in a gaseous or liquid phase with a homogeneous or heterogeneous catalyst using a variety of recognized catalytic processes. Herein, this work focuses on the use of silica-supported copper (Cu/SiO2) catalysts for the gas-phase hydrogenation of LA to GVL under mild reaction conditions. The study analyzes how copper loading can affect the catalytic activity of the Cu/SiO2, while the flow rate of LA, time-on-stream, reaction temperature, and LA concentration affect the catalytic efficiency. The SiO2 support’s various Cu loadings are crucial for adjusting the catalytic hydrogenation activity. One of the studied catalysts, a 5 wt% Cu/SiO2 catalyst, demonstrated ~81% GVL selectivity with ~78% LA conversion and demonstrated stability for ~8 h while operating at atmospheric pressure and temperature (265 °C) and 0.5 mL/h of LA flow rate. The ability to activate hydrogen, high amount of acidic sites, and surface area were all discovered to be advantageous for increased GVL selectivity. |
Sponsor | This work was supported by Qatar University through a National Capacity Building Program grant (NCBP) [QUCP-CAM-20/23-463]. Statements made herein are solely the responsibility of the authors. |
Language | en |
Publisher | MDPI |
Subject | biofuel additive biomass green solvent selectivity vapour-phase hydrogenation γ-valerolactone |
Type | Article |
Pagination | 465-477 |
Issue Number | 3 |
Volume Number | 4 |
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