Inexpensive γ-alumina-based nickel-copper bimetallic catalysts were studied for the hydrogenolysis of levulinic acid,a key platform molecule for biomass conversion to biofuels and other valued chemicals,into γ-valerolactone as a first step towards the production of 2-methyltetrahydrofurane.The activities of both monometallic and bimetallic catalysts were tested.Their textural and chemical characteristics were determined by nitrogen physisorption,elemental analysis,temperature-programmed ammonia desorption,and temperature-programmed reduction.The monometallic nickel catalyst showed high activity but the highest bγ-product production and significant amounts of carbon deposited on the catalyst surface.The copper monometallic catalyst showed the lowest activity but the lowest carbon deposition.The incorporation of the two metals generated a bimetallic catalyst that displayed a similar activity to that of the Ni monometallic catalyst and significantly low bγ-product and carbon contents,indicating the occurrence of important synergetic effects.The influence of the preparation method was also examined by studying impregnated- and sol-gel-derived bimetallic catalysts.A strong dependency on the preparation procedure and calcination temperature was observed.The highest activity per metal atom was achieved using the sol-gel-derived catalyst that was calcined at 450 ℃.High reaction rates were achieved;the total levulinic acid conversion was obtained in less than 2 h of reaction time,yielding up to 96%γ-valerolactone,at operating temperature and pressure of 250 ℃ and 6.5 MPa hydrogen,respectively.
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