Fast synthesis of K-4Al catalyst with acid sites for catalyzing biomass-derived γ-valerolactone to butene

This work aimed at elucidating the beneficial effect of the solid-phase grinding method on the catalytic performance of K- x Al for catalyzing γ-valerolactone to butene. Research indicated that a part of Al species was successfully introduced into the framework of KIT-6 support without destroying its original ordered mesoporous structure by the solid-phase grinding treatment method. Hence, Lewis and Brønsted acid sites were formed on the surface of the catalyst. By adjusting the amount of Al species, the content of weak acid sites (100-300 °C) on the catalyst surface can reach as much as 0.31 mmol·g −1 . Through the catalytic activity tested, the K-4Al catalyst exhibited optimum catalytic performance. The GVL conversion rate and butene yield can reach 96.2% and 90.1% at 300 °C, respectively. In addition, the K-4Al catalyst also showed satisfactory renewable performance in cycle tests. These findings will provide useful guidelines for further catalyst design for the preparation of butene from γ-valerolactone.