New Insights into the NiO Catalytic Mechanism on the Conversion of Fructose to Methyl Lactate

Catalytic mechanism of NiO on the conversion fructose to methyl lactate (MLA) has been evaluated in this work. NiOs were calcined at various temperatures. NiOOH was detected on the surface of NiO. The amount of NiOOH as well as the product yield of MLA decreased with an increase in the calcination temperature of NiO. We have demonstrated that NiOOH could facilitate the catalytic conversion of fructose to MLA. This work provides some new insights into the NiO catalytic production of MLA. These results will guide the preparation of nickel based solid catalysts for the MLA production.