Deep eutectic solvents promote the formation of ultradispersed ZrO2 in cellulose-based carbon aerogel for the transfer hydrogenation of biomass aldehydes

Zr-carbon aerogel (Zr-DCCA) was prepared by using renewable deep eutectic solvents (DESs) and cellulose nanofiber as sacrifice templates. The Zr-DCCA shows high conversion, selectivity and stability for the transfer hydrogenation of various biomass aldehydes to alcohols. While lower catalytic performance was obtained using Zr-based carbon aerogel (Zr-CCA) prepared without DESs in precursors. A series of characterizations showed that Zr-DCCA possesses the higher dispersion and smaller size of ZrO2 nanoparticles and thus shows stronger acid/ base properties than Zr-CCA. In addition, traditional stirring for the reaction and centrifugation for recycling are not required, which simplifies equipment and operations, making the process more valuable to practice.

Automated summary

Zr-carbon aerogel (Zr-DCCA) was prepared using renewable deep eutectic solvents (DESs) and cellulose nanofiber as templates. Zr-DCCA exhibited high conversion, selectivity, and stability for transfer hydrogenation of various biomass aldehydes. Comparative studies with Zr-based carbon aerogels (Zr-CCA) prepared without DESs showed lower catalytic performance. Characterizations revealed that Zr-DCCA had higher dispersion and smaller size of ZrO2 nanoparticles, resulting in stronger acid/base properties. Furthermore, the absence of traditional stirring and centrifugation in the reaction simplified equipment and operations, making the process more practical.