In situ generated Ni(0)@boehmite from NiAl-LDH: An efficient catalyst for selective hydrogenation of biomass derived levulinic acid to γ-valerolactone

We report in situ generation of Ni(0)@boehmite from NiAl-layered double hydroxide (LDH) under reaction conditions which showed superior catalytic activity in the hydrogenation of levulinic acid (LA) to gamma-valerolactone (Gvl) with quantitative yield in aqueous medium. Formation of Ni(0)@boehmite in course of the reaction was confirmed by PXRD, TEM, TGA and FT-IR. This catalyst shows superior conversion compared to a series of simple Ni based homogeneous as well as heterogeneous catalysts. The Ni(0)@boehmite catalyst is recyclable, and active even at higher concentrations of LA (25 wt%).