Production of a bio-based liquid fuel additive, γ-valerolactone, over Ni-exchanged 12-tungstophosphoric acid anchored to zeolite HY using a biomass-derived H2 source

Abstract

In present scenario the synthesis of sustainable biofuel additive using hydrogenation of biomass derived compound with green hydrogen source gained tremendous attention due to the fast-growing attention on the circular economy. So, in this work, we demonstrated the liquid phase hydrogenation of levulinic acid to γ-valerolactone using biomass derived green hydrogen source over a non-noble metal based heterogenous catalyst. Here, a non-noble metal-based catalyst, comprising nickel exchanged 12-tungstophosphoric acid anchored Zeolite HY, was synthesized and thoroughly characterized using various techniques, including EDS, NH₃-TPD, BET, FTIR, UV-vis-NIR, XPS, and HRTEM. In catalytic study it demonstrated outstanding performance, as obtained 72% yield of GVL, and 514 turnover number (TON). These confirmed the innovative strategy of eliminating the need for an external hydrogen source. These results emphasize the catalysts efficiency, superior activity, and stability under mild reaction conditions, make it as a more sustainable and effective alternative to existing non noble metal-based catalysts. Also, kinetic studies were conducted to determine the reaction order. Additionally, the in-situ reduction of Ni(II) to Ni(0), was studied and confirmed via XPS analysis. This work demonstrate the potential of catalyst in sustainable and renewable energy solutions, contributing significantly to the development of green and economically viable processes.