Improved catalytic activity and stability for hydrogenation of levulinic acid by Ru/N-doped hierarchically porous carbon

The catalytic transformation from levulinic acid (LA) into γ-valerolactone (GVL) is of great interest as it is an impressive strategy to convert lignocellulosic platform chemical into high value-added compounds. Herein, a novel heterogeneous catalyst made of Ru nanoparticles (NPs) supported on N-doped hierarchically porous carbon from biomass, Ru/NHPC, was shown to be highly active, selective and stable in this transformation. The reaction can proceed smoothly under mild conditions in aqueous media even at room temperature. The catalyst Ru/NHPC could be recycled for 13 consecutive runs exhibiting no obvious activity decay, much better than that of Ru NPs supported on activated carbon. The process offers an efficient, environmentally responsible, and safe approach to high production of GVL.