Catalytic conversion of HMF into ethyl levulinate – A biofuel over hierarchical zeolites
Chithra P.A., D. Srinivas
Abstract
Catalytic conversion of 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfuraldehyde (HMF, a biomass-derived platform chemical) into ethyl levulinate (EL) is an attractive approach for producing renewable transport fuels for mitigating global warming. We report here the application of hierarchical zeolites (DZSM-5 and MZSM-5 synthesized by desilication and mesoporous templating approaches, respectively) as solid acid catalysts for this transformation. Hierarchical structure of these zeolites was confirmed by X-ray diffraction, nitrogen-physisorption and electron microscopy, and acidity was determined by temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia. HMF conversion of 94.2% with EL selectivity of 90.8% was achieved over the MZSM-5 catalyst. Acidity, pore size and surface properties affected the catalytic activity.