Enhanced hydrogenation of ethyl-levulinate to γ-valerolactone over NiδOx stabilized Cu+ surface sites†
Abstract
CuNiδOx/SiO2 nanocatalysts with Cu–Ni activities below 5 nm were synthesized. The catalysts showed high performance for catalytic hydrogenation of ethyl-levulinate to γ-valerolactone under mild reaction conditions. The composition and structure of these nanocatalysts were characterized. It is shown that NiδOx plays a key role in stabilizing Cu+ against inactivation. To meet the requirements for industrial application, the CuNiδOx/SiO2 nanocatalysts were tested under continuous reaction for over 2000 hours. The conversion and product selectivity were maintained at 100% and above 95%, respectively.