Enhanced catalytic activity and high stability of treated Pt-Ru/ zeolite Y catalysts for levulinic acid hydrogenation reaction

Bifunctional Pt-Ru/zeolite Y catalysts were prepared by ethylene glycol reduction (EGR) method, with 3 wt% of Pt and various ratios of Ru. The performance of catalysts was investigated for hydrogenation of levulinic acid (LA) to produce gamma-valerolactone (GVL). Catalysts were thermally treated in presence of NaOH and reevaluated. The results showed that the thermal treatment contributed to adjustment of bifunctional Pt-Rux/Y acidity and further improved hydrogenation activity conversion of LA up to 100% and yield of GVL up to 97.99%. It also preserved the crystal structure of zeolite and showed better thermal stability as compared to Pt/Y and Ru/Y catalysts.

Automated summary

Bifunctional Pt-Ru/Y zeolite catalysts were prepared by ethylene glycol reduction method and their performance in hydrogenation reaction was investigated. Thermal treatment improved the acidity of the catalysts and enhanced the conversion rate and yield of the reaction.