Bulk and composite catalysts combining BEA topology and mesoporosity for the valorisation of furfural

authors	Antunes, MM; Neves, P; Fernandes, A; Lima, S; Silva, AF; Ribeiro, MF; Silva, CM; Pillinger, M; Valente, AA
nationality	International
journal	CATALYSIS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
keywords	LEWIS-ACID SITES; PONNDORF-VERLEY REDUCTION; SILICA ZEOLITE-BETA; MQ MAS NMR; GAMMA-VALEROLACTONE; ETHYL LEVULINATE; MICRO/MESOPOROUS COMPOSITES; SI/AL RATIO; TRANSFER HYDROGENATION; MOLECULAR-SIEVES
abstract	The sustainable conversion of biomass and biomass-derived platform chemicals demands efficient catalytic processes for which modified versions of zeolites can be strategically important. The catalytic potential of bulk and composite catalysts which simultaneously feature zeolite crystallinity, mesoporosity and Zr and Al sites were explored for the valorisation of furfural (Fur; industrially produced from hemicelluloses) via integrated reduction and acid reactions in alcohol media, to give useful bio-products (bioP), namely, furanic ethers, levulinate esters and angelica lactones. Different synthetic strategies were used starting from zeolite microcrystals or nanocrystals. A composite consisting of nanocrystals of Zr,Al-Beta embedded in a mesoporous matrix is reported for the first time. In a different synthesis approach, a bulk mesoporous zeotype material was prepared by post-synthesis alkaline/acid/impregnation treatments, and explored for the first time as a catalyst for a one-pot reduction/acid reaction system. Characterisation studies of the morphology, structure, texture and nature of the Al and Zr sites (Al-27 MAS NMR spectroscopy, FT- IR spectroscopy of adsorbed pyridine or deuterated acetonitrile) helped understand the influence of material properties on catalytic performance. These types of materials are active and stable catalysts for the integrated conversion of Fur to bioP.
publisher	ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY
issn	2044-4753
year published	2016
volume	6
issue	21
beginning page	7812
ending page	7829
digital object identifier (doi)	10.1039/c6cy00223d
web of science category	Chemistry, Physical
subject category	Chemistry
unique article identifier	WOS:000386424200018