Magnetic Co/Al2O3 catalyst derived from hydrotalcite for hydrogenation of levulinic acid to γ-valerolactone

The efficient hydrogenation of levulinic acid (LA) to γ-valerolactone (GVL) over a hydrotalcite-derived non-precious metal Co/Al2O3 catalyst was achieved. Its core-shell structure and a strong interaction between Co and Al species stabilized the Co particles against leaching and sintering. This magnetic non-precious metal catalyst showed a comparable catalytic performance to a commercial Ru/C for the liquid hydrogenation of LA. It was easily separated from the reaction medium with an external magnet. The catalyst exhibited excellent recyclability, complete LA conversion and >99% GVL selectivity, and would be useful in a large scale biorefinery.

Graphical AbstractA non-precious metal Co/Al2O3 catalyst prepared by reduction of a hydrotalcite precursor hydrogenated levulinic acid to γ-valerolactone with high efficiency and stability.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide