3D graphene aerogel anchored tungstophosphoric acid catalysts: Characterization and catalytic performance for levulinic acid esterification with ethanol

• Heterogeneous catalysts consisting of 3D GA and HPW were firstly synthesized.
• The catalysts displayed abundant porous structure and large textural parameters.
• They exhibited excellent catalytic behavior in LA esterification with ethanol.

3D graphene aerogel (GA) was synthesized from graphene oxide (GO) using a hydrothermal procedure combined with freeze-drying. Then, they were used to assemble the supported H3PW12O40 (HPW) catalysts. The optimization of the reaction parameters for levulinic acid esterification with ethanol was performed and the catalytic performance of the HPW/GA catalysts was comparatively investigated. The results showed that these catalysts had abundant porous structure. In particular, they were found to be efficient in the synthesis of ethyl levulinate, which is promising in reducing the consumption of petroleum-derived fossil fuels.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide