Enhanced hydrogenation of ethyl-levulinate to γ-valerolactone over NiδOx stabilized Cu+ surface sites

Abstract

CuNi^δO_x/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 Ni^δO_x plays a key role in stabilizing Cu⁺ against inactivation. To meet the requirements for industrial application, the CuNi^δO_x/SiO₂ nanocatalysts were tested under continuous reaction for over 2000 hours. The conversion and product selectivity were maintained at 100% and above 95%, respectively.