Conversion of biomass-derived levulinate and formate esters into γ-valerolactone over supported gold catalysts.

Conversion of biomass-derived ethyl levulinate into γ-valerolactone via hydrogen transfer from supercritical ethanol over a ZrO2 catalyst

Continuous hydrogenation of ethyl levulinate to γ-valerolactone and 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran over alumina doped Cu/SiO2 catalyst: the potential of commercialization

Hydrogenation of levulinic acid (LA) and its esters to produce γ-valerolactone (GVL) and 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran (2-MTHF) is a key step for the utilization of cellulose derived LA. Aiming to develop a commercially feasible base metal catalyst for the production of GVL from LA, with satisfactory activity, selectivity, and stability, Al2O3 doped Cu/SiO2 and Cu/SiO2 catalysts were fabricated by c...

Conversion of Levulinic Acid to γ-Valerolactone over Few-Layer Graphene-Supported Ruthenium Catalysts

Few-layer graphene (FLG) supported ruthenium nanoparticle catalysts were synthesized and used for the hydrogenation of levulinic acid (LA), one of the “top 10” biomass platform molecules derived from carbohydrates. FLG-supported ruthenium catalyst showed 99.7% conversion and 100% selectivity toward γ-valerolactone (GVL) at room temperature in a batch reactor under high-pressure hydrogen. This c...

The Role of Noble Metal Catalysts in Conversion of Biomass and Bio-derived Intermediates to Fuels and Chemicals

In the face of growing oil demand the use of renewable feedstocks for the potential to supply transportation fuels, electricity, chemicals and materials is increasingly attractive. This review covers novel technologies and pathways to produce liquid fuels and chemical intermediates in an efficient and cost-effective way. Several commercial and pilot scale projects by companies including Anellot...

High performing and stable supported nano-alloys for the catalytic hydrogenation of levulinic acid to γ-valerolactone

The catalytic hydrogenation of levulinic acid, a key platform molecule in many biorefinery schemes, into γ-valerolactone is considered as one of the pivotal reactions to convert lignocellulose-based biomass into renewable fuels and chemicals. Here we report on the development of highly active, selective and stable supported metal catalysts for this reaction and on the beneficial effects of meta...