High Dispersion of Platinum Nanoparticles over Functionalized Zirconia for Effective Transformation of Levulinic Acid to Alkyl Levulinate Biofuel Additives in the Vapor Phase

In recent years, functionalized metal oxides have been gaining popularity for biomass conversion to fuels and chemicals due the global energy crisis. This study reports a novel catalyst based on noble immobilization zirconia that has successfully used in production of biofuel alkyl levulinates (ALs) from lignocellulosic biomass-derived levulinic acid (LA) under vapor-phase. The wet impregnation method was immobilize Pt-metal nanoparticles zirconia-based supports (silicotungstic zirconia, STA-ZrO2; sulfated S-ZrO2; tetragonal t-ZrO2). A variety physicochemical techniques were characterize prepared catalysts, these tested atmospheric pressure continuous flow esterification LA. order catalytic activity followed when ethyl levulinate produced via esterification: Pt/STA-ZrO2 ? Pt/S-ZrO2 Pt/t-ZrO2. Moreover, it found ALs synthesis LA with different alcohols utilizing methyl propyl levulinate? butyl levulinate. work outlines an excellent approach designing efficient catalysts biofuels value-added compounds made biomass.