Catalytic Transfer Hydrogenation of Ethyl Levulinate into γ-Valerolactone Over Zirconium Oxide Derived from Zirconyl Nitrate

A series of zirconium based catalysts were synthesized to study the transfer hydrogenation of biomass derived ethyl levulinate into γ-valerolactone (GVL) using lower alcohols as hydrogen donors. The essential textural and chemical characteristics of prepared samples were identified by various techniques including SEM, XRD, NH3-TPD, TGA, CO2-TPD and nitrogen physisorption. Parameters such as hydrogen donor, catalyst type, temperature, stirring rate, and catalyst dosage were found to play a critical role in GVL production. A promising GVL yield of 98.3 mol% with a highest GVL formation rate at 5239.4 μmol g–1 cat h–1 was obtained in isopropanol at 433 K over zirconium oxide derived from zirconyl nitrate. The recycling experiments revealed that the zirconium oxide catalyst derived from zirconyl nitrate presented relatively satisfied performance and stability.