Catalytic conversion of biomass derivative γ-valerolactone to aromatics over Zn/ZSM-5 catalyst

In this work, Zn/ZSM-5 zeolite catalysts with different Zn contents are prepared by impregnation method. The influences of reaction temperature and time, catalyst dosage and the acidic properties of catalysts on the conversion of γ-valerolactone to aromatic compounds are investigated. The results show that the introduction of Zn into H-ZSM-5 channel could effective modify the components of liquid product and influence the yields of gas, liquid and solid as compared to H-ZSM-5 catalyst and non-catalytic conversion of γ-valerolactone. Zn/ZSM-5 catalyst affords the higher contents of aromatic compounds compared to H-ZSM-5 and silica catalysts in the liquid product under identical reaction conditions. Therefore, Zn species of Zn/ZSM-5 can not only effectively improve the conversion of γ-valerolactone, but also enhance the formation of aromatic compounds, suggesting that Zn species play a key role in the formation of these aromatic compounds.