Selective hydrogenation of levulinic acid into γ-valerolactone over Cu/Ni hydrotalcite-derived catalyst

A Comparative Study of Electrochemical Reduction of Levulinic Acid on Various Electrodes in Organic Solvents

Studies on the electrochemical hydrogenation (ECH) of levulinic acid (LA) to valeric acid (VA) or γ-valerolactone (GVL) have mainly focused on the electrochemical reduction of LA in acidic aqueous solutions. However, the narrow range of applied potentials has hindered understanding of some mechanistic aspects of LA electrochemical conversion. Earlier, we discovered that employing proton-deficient non-aqueous reaction media provides more comprehensive insights into the mechanism of LA electrochemical reduction. Here, we conducted further investigations into the LA electroreduction process using cyclic voltammetry in various organic solvents on a Pt electrode and on various electrode materials in acetonitrile, both with and without the addition of proton donors. The products of the ECH processes were identified using HPLC. The solvent nature, the presence of proton donors, the electrode material, and the applied potential strongly influence the LA electroreduction process. This study reveals that LA, in the presence proton donors, can undergo electrochemical reduction through different pathways, depending on the difference (ΔE1/2) between the reduction half-wave potential of protons and LA on a certain electrode. When the difference is large, the LA reduction is incomplete and the formation of GVL is observed. Under the close reduction potentials of protons and LA, LA can be completely reduced to VA.

Hydrogenation of Carboxylic Acids, Esters, and Related Compounds over Heterogeneous Catalysts: A Step toward Sustainable and Carbon-Neutral Processes

The catalytic hydrogenation of esters and carboxylic acids represents a fundamental and important class of organic transformations, which is widely applied in energy, environmental, agricultural, and pharmaceutical industries. Due to the low reactivity of the carbonyl group in carboxylic acids and esters, this type of reaction is, however, rather challenging. Hence, specifically active catalysts are required to achieve a satisfactory yield. Nevertheless, in recent years, remarkable progress has been made on the development of catalysts for this type of reaction, especially heterogeneous catalysts, which are generally dominating in industry. Here in this review, we discuss the recent breakthroughs as well as milestone achievements for the hydrogenation of industrially important carboxylic acids and esters utilizing heterogeneous catalysts. In addition, related catalytic hydrogenations that are considered of importance for the development of cleaner energy technologies and a circular chemical industry will be discussed in detail. Special attention is paid to the insights into the structure-activity relationship, which will help the readers to develop rational design strategies for the synthesis of more efficient heterogeneous catalysts.

The Role of Copper in the Hydrogenation of Furfural and Levulinic Acid

Currently, there is a great interest in the development of sustainable and green technologies for production of biofuels and chemicals. In this sense, much attention is being paid to lignocellulosic biomass as feedstock, as alternative to fossil-based resources, inasmuch as its fractions can be transformed into value-added chemicals. Two important platform molecules derived from lignocellulosic sugars are furfural and levulinic acid, which can be transformed into a large spectrum of chemicals, by hydrogenation, oxidation, or condensation, with applications as solvents, agrochemicals, fragrances, pharmaceuticals, among others. However, in many cases, noble metal-based catalysts, scarce and expensive, are used. Therefore, an important effort is performed to search the most abundant, readily available, and cheap transition-metal-based catalysts. Among these, copper-based catalysts have been proposed, and the present review deals with the hydrogenation of furfural and levulinic acid, with Cu-based catalysts, into several relevant chemicals: furfuryl alcohol, 2-methylfuran, and cyclopentanone from FUR, and γ-valerolactone and 2-methyltetrahydrofuran from LA. Special emphasis has been placed on catalytic processes used (gas- and liquid-phase, catalytic transfer hydrogenation), under heterogeneous catalysis. Moreover, the effect of addition of other metal to Cu-based catalysts has been considered, as well as the issue related to catalyst stability in reusing studies.

Hydrodeoxygenation of Levulinic Acid to γ-Valerolactone over Mesoporous Silica-Supported Cu-Ni Composite Catalysts

Monometallic (Cu, Ni) and bimetallic (Cu-Ni) catalysts supported on KIT-6 based mesoporous silica/zeolite composites were prepared using the wet impregnation method. The catalysts were characterized using X-ray powder diffraction, N2 physisorption, SEM, solid state NMR and H2-TPR methods. Finely dispersed NiO and CuO were detected after the decomposition of impregnating salt on the silica carrier. The formation of small fractions of ionic Ni2+ and/or Cu2+ species, interacting strongly with the silica supports, was found. The catalysts were studied in the gas-phase upgrading of lignocellulosic biomass-derived levulinic acid (LA) to γ-valerolactone (GVL). The bimetallic, CuNi-KIT-6 catalyst showed 100% LA conversion at 250 °C and atmospheric pressure. The high LA conversion and GVL yield can be attributed to the high specific surface area and finely dispersed Cu-Ni species in the catalyst. Furthermore, the catalyst also exhibited high stability after 24 h of reaction time with a GVL yield above 80% without any significant change in metal dispersion.

Spherical Silica Modified with Magnesium and Ruthenium-Synthesis, Characterization and Catalytic Properties

The design of different bimetallic catalysts is an important area of catalytic research in the context of their possible applications in the cascade processes, meeting the requirements of the so-called green chemistry. In this study, such catalysts were obtained by the incorporation of magnesium species into spherical silica, which was in the next step covered with porous silica and modified with ruthenium species. The structure and chemical composition of the materials obtained were determined by XRD measurements, low temperature N₂ adsorption/desorption, SEM, ICP-OES and XPS methods. The catalytic activities of materials obtained were tested in 2-propanol decomposition and hydrogenation of levulinic acid. The results obtained confirmed the successful coverage of nanospheres with porous silica. A much higher concentration of ruthenium species was found on the surface of the catalysts than in their bulk. The opposite relationship was observed for magnesium species. The modification of nanospheres with silica had a positive effect on the catalytic activity of the materials obtained. For the most active sample, i.e., Ru/NS/3Mg/NS, 49% of levulinic acid conversion in its hydrogenation process was reported with γ-valerolactone as the only product.

Electrodeposited Ni-Rich Ni-Pt Mesoporous Nanowires for Selective and Efficient Formic Acid-Assisted Hydrogenation of Levulinic Acid to γ-Valerolactone

In pursuit of friendlier conditions for the preparation of high-value biochemicals, we developed catalytic synthesis of γ-valerolactone by levulinic acid hydrogenation with formic acid as the hydrogen source. Both levulinic and formic acid are intermediate products in the biomass transformation processes. The objective of the work is twofold: the development of a novel approach for milder synthesis conditions to produce γ-valerolactone and the reduction of the economic cost of the catalyst. Ni-rich Ni-Pt mesoporous nanowires were synthesized in an aqueous medium using a combined hard-soft-template-assisted electrodeposition method, in which porous polycarbonate membranes controlled the shape and the Pluronic P-123 copolymer served as the porogen agent. The electrodeposition conditions selected favored nickel deposition and generated nanowires with nickel percentages above 75 atom %. The increase in deposition potential favored nickel deposition. However, it was detrimental for the porous diameter because the mesoporous structure is promoted by the presence of the platinum-rich micelles near the substrate, which is not favored at more negative potentials. The prepared catalysts promoted the complete transformation to γ-valerolactone in a yield of around 99% and proceeded with the absence of byproducts. The coupling temperature and reaction time were optimized considering the energy cost. The threshold operational temperature was established at 140 °C, at which, 120 min was sufficient for attaining the complete transformation. Working temperatures below 140 °C rendered the reaction completion difficult. The Ni₇₈Pt₂₂ nanowires exhibited excellent reusability, with minimal nickel leaching into the reaction mixture, whereas those with higher nickel contents showed corrosion.

Earth-abundant 3d-transition-metal catalysts for lignocellulosic biomass conversion

Transformation of biomass to chemicals and fuels is a long-term goal in both science and industry. However, high cost is one of the major obstacles to the industrialization of this sustainable technology. Thus, developing catalysts with high activity and low-cost is of great importance for biomass conversion. The last two decades have witnessed the increasing achievement of the use of earth-abundant 3d-transition-metals in catalysis due to their low-cost, high efficiency and excellent stability. Here, we aim to review the fast development and recent advances of 3d-metal-based catalysts including Cu, Fe, Co, Ni and Mn in lignocellulosic biomass conversion. Moreover, present research trends and invigorating perspectives on future development are given.

Ultrafine Copper Oxide Particles Dispersed on Nitrogen-Doped Hollow Carbon Nanospheres for Oxidative Esterification of Biomass-Derived 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural

One-pot synthesis of furan-2,5-dimethylcarboxylate (FDMC) from 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is highly demanding for the commercial production of polyethylene furanoate (PEF). Herein, a direct synthesis of FDMC is reported from oxidative esterification of HMF using ultrafine CuO particles dispersed on nitrogen-doped hollow carbon nanospheres (CuO/N-C-HNSs) as a catalyst and tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as an oxidizing and methylating reagent. The CuO/N-C-HNSs was prepared through a template protection-sacrifice strategy using SiO₂ as a sacrificial template and histidine as the precursor for N and C. N-doping facilitated a strong interaction between the support and copper species, affording formation of CuO nanoparticles of less than 10 nm in size. By virtue of the highly dispersed CuO nanoparticles and a high BET surface area 373 m² /g, the CuO/N-C-HNSsshows excellent catalytic performance in the selective conversion of HMF into FDMC affording 93 % yield of the desired product with a TON value of 49. Furthermore, the oxidative esterification involving SP³ C-H bond functionalization is also demonstrated using the same catalyst.

Finely dispersed CuO on nitrogen-doped carbon hollow nanospheres for selective oxidation of sp3 C–H bonds

Selective oxidation of sp3 C–H bonds has been demonstrated using a novel nanocomposite, CuO/N-C-HNSs, as the catalyst.

Hydrophobic Copper Catalysts Derived from Copper Phyllosilicates in the Hydrogenation of Levulinic Acid to γ-Valerolactone

A reduction-silylation-reduction method was developed to synthesize hydrophobic Cu catalysts derived from Cu phyllosilicates (CuPS). Triethoxy(octyl)silane (OTS) was used as the coupling agent. The OTS-grafted, reduced CuPS catalysts were applied in the hydrogenation of levulinic acid (LA) to γ-valerolactone (GVL). The most promising catalyst was synthesized by reducing CuPS at a high temperature (350 °C for 3 h), followed by OTS grafting, and then by repeating the previous reduction step. High LA conversion (95.7%), GVL yield (85.2%), and stability (3 cycles with a 7.5% loss of initial activity) were obtained at a mild reaction condition (130 °C with a H₂ pressure of 12 bar). A high reduction temperature not only leads to a low oxidation state of Cu species but also suppresses the formation of silylation-induced acids. Moreover, the intrinsic activity of a reduced CuPS catalyst was nearly intact after subjecting to silylation and the second reduction treatment.

Supported Bimetallic Catalysts for the Solvent-Free Hydrogenation of Levulinic Acid to γ-Valerolactone: Effect of Metal Combination (Ni-Cu, Ni-Co, Cu-Co)

γ-valerolactone (GVL) is an important value-added chemical with potential applications as a fuel additive, a precursor for valuable chemicals, and polymer synthesis. Herein, different monometallic and bimetallic catalysts supported on γ-Al2O3 nanofibers (Ni, Cu, Co, Ni-Cu, Ni-Co, Cu-Co) were prepared by the incipient wetness impregnation method and employed in the solvent-free hydrogenation of levulinic acid (LA) to GVL. The influence of metal loading, metal combination, and ratio on the activity and selectivity of the catalysts was investigated. XRD, SEM-EDS, TEM, H2-TPR, XPS, NH3-TPD, and N2 adsorption were used to examine the structure and properties of the catalysts. In this study, GVL synthesis involves the single-step dehydration of LA to an intermediate, followed by hydrogenation of the intermediate to GVL. Ni-based catalysts were found to be highly active for the reaction. [2:1] Ni-Cu/Al2O3 catalyst showed 100.0% conversion of LA with >99.0% selectivity to GVL, whereas [2:1] Ni-Co/Al2O3 yielded 100.0% conversion of LA with 83.0% selectivity to GVL. Moreover, reaction parameters such as temperature, H2 pressure, time, and catalyst loading were optimized to obtain the maximum GVL yield. The solvent-free hydrogenation process described in this study propels the future industrial production of GVL from LA.

Ni Supported on Natural Clays as a Catalyst for the Transformation of Levulinic Acid into γ-Valerolactone without the Addition of Molecular Hydrogen

γ-Valerolactone (GVL) is a valuable chemical that can be used as a clean additive for automotive fuels. This compound can be produced from biomass-derived compounds. Levulinic acid (LA) is a compound that can be obtained easily from biomass and it can be transformed into GVL by dehydration and hydrogenation using metallic catalysts. In this work, catalysts of Ni (a non-noble metal) supported on a series of natural and low-cost clay-materials have been tested in the transformation of LA into GVL. Catalysts were prepared by a modified wet impregnation method using oxalic acid trying to facilitate a suitable metal dispersion. The supports employed are attapulgite and two sepiolites with different surface areas. Reaction tests have been undertaken using an aqueous medium at moderate reaction temperatures of 120 and 180 °C. Three types of experiments were undertaken: (i) without H2 source, (ii) using formic acid (FA) as hydrogen source and (iii) using Zn in order to transform water in hydrogen through the reaction Zn + H2O → ZnO + H2. The best results have been obtained combining Zn (which plays a double role as a reactant for hydrogen formation and as a catalyst) and Ni/attapulgite. Yields to GVL higher than 98% have been obtained at 180 °C in the best cases. The best catalytic performance has been related to the presence of tiny Ni particles as nickel crystallites larger than 4 nm were not present in the most efficient catalysts.

Leveraging Cu/CuFe2O4-Catalyzed Biomass-Derived Furfural Hydrodeoxygenation: A Nanoscale Metal-Organic-Framework Template Is the Prime Key

Enormous efforts have been initiated in the production of biobased fuels and value-added chemicals via biorefinery owing to the scarcity of fossil resources and huge environmental synchronization. Herein, non-noble metal-based metal/mixed metal oxide supported on carbon employing a metal-organic framework as a sacrificial template is demonstrated for the first time in the selective hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of biomass-derived furfural (FFR) to 2-methyl furan (MF). The aforementioned catalyst (referred to as Cu/CuFe₂O₄@C-A) exhibited extraordinary catalytic proficiency (100% selectivity toward MF) compared with the conventional Cu/CuFe₂O₄@C-B catalyst which was prepared by the wet impregnation method. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy and synchrotron X-ray diffraction studies evidenced the existence of both metal (Cu) and mixed metal oxide (CuFe₂O₄) phases, in which the metal could help in hydrogenation to alcohol and metal oxide could assist in the hydroxyl group removal step during HDO reaction. The stabilization of encapsulated metal/metal oxide nanoparticles in the carbon matrix, modulation of the electronic structure, and regulation of geometric effects in the Cu/CuFe₂O₄@C-A are thought to play an important role in its excellent catalytic performance, confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray absorption spectroscopy investigations. Furthermore, the structure and activity interconnection was confirmed by in situ attenuated total reflection-IR studies, which manifested the strong interfacial interaction between FFR and the Cu/CuFe₂O₄@C-A catalyst. This finding was further supported by NH₃ temperature-programmed desorption analysis, which suggested that the presence of more Lewis/weak acidic sites in this catalyst was beneficial for the hydrogenolysis step in HDO reaction. Additionally, H₂ temperature-programmed reduction studies revealed that the adsorption of H₂ was stronger on the Cu/CuFe₂O₄@C-A than that over the conventional Cu/CuFe₂O₄@C-B catalyst; thus, the former catalyst promoted activation of H₂. A detailed kinetic analysis which demonstrated the lower activation energy barrier along with dual active sites attributed for the activation of the two separate reactions in the HDO process on the Cu/CuFe₂O₄@C-A catalyst. This work has great implication in developing a highly stable catalyst for the selective upgradation of biomass without deactivation of metal sites in extended catalytic cycles and opens the door of opportunity for developing a sustainably viable catalyst in biomass refinery industries.

Efficient removal of As(III) via simultaneous oxidation and adsorption by magnetic sulfur-doped Fe-Cu-Y trimetal oxide nanoparticles

A novel magnetic sulfur-doped Fe-Cu-Y trimetal oxide (MST) nanomaterial was successfully synthesized by a chemical coprecipitation method to remove As(III) via simultaneous oxidation and adsorption and then characterized by BET, VSM, FESEM, XPS, and FTIR techniques. The effect of solution initial pH on the adsorption of As(III), and the adsorption kinetics and isotherm were investigated in detail. The results indicated that the MST nanoparticles exhibited an excellent performance for As(III) removal in a pH range of 7-10 and were easily separated from aqueous solution with a magnet. The maximum removal capability for As(III) reached 202.0 mg/g at pH 7.0. The adsorption of As(III) was well fitted by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm model, respectively. The investigation of mechanism revealed that As(III) could be oxidized to As(V) by O₂^- and OH free radicals, generated via the dissolved O₂ obtaining an electron from Cu(I) on the surface of the adsorbent and Fenton/Fenton-like reaction, respectively. Meanwhile, the produced As(V) was adsorbed onto the surface of the nanoparticles through the electrostatic attraction or diffusion. The adsorbed As(V) further interacted with -OH groups via ion exchange or with Y(III) on the surface of the adsorbent to form a precipitate. Therefore, the MST nanoparticles are promising for the removal of arsenic from water.

A Ag–ZrO2–graphene oxide nanocomposite as a metal-leaching-resistant catalyst for the aqueous-phase hydrogenation of levulinic acid into gamma-valerolactone

A novel metal-leaching-resistant catalyst containing Ag, ZrO₂ and graphene oxide (GO) was synthesized for the aqueous-phase hydrogenation of LA into GVL.