Conversion of levulinic acid to γ-valerolactone over ultra-thin TiO2 nanosheets decorated with ultrasmall Ru nanoparticle catalysts under mild conditions

Herein, we demonstrate that quantum-sized Ru dot decorated ultra-thin anatase TiO2 nanosheets with exposed (001) facets could exhibit highly efficient catalytic activity during the conversion of levulinic acid to -valerolactone at room temperature. The support effect has been largely attributed to the high energy of TiO2 (001) which can lead to a stronger interaction between the support and the metal. The surface of Ru/TiO2-n contains more Ru(0) and results in higher activity and selectivity.