Engineering support-dependent structures of Co catalysts on MgO, MgAl, and Al₂O₃ for selective transformation of levulinic acid to γ-valerolactone
Issued Date
2026-04-01
Resource Type
ISSN
03783820
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105027259728
Journal Title
Fuel Processing Technology
Volume
282
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Fuel Processing Technology Vol.282 (2026)
Suggested Citation
Lakhani P., Sakdee R., Ratchahat S., Sakdaronnarong C., Koo-amornpattana W., Limphirat W., Assabumrungrat S., Srifa A. Engineering support-dependent structures of Co catalysts on MgO, MgAl, and Al₂O₃ for selective transformation of levulinic acid to γ-valerolactone. Fuel Processing Technology Vol.282 (2026). doi:10.1016/j.fuproc.2026.108397 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/114816
Title
Engineering support-dependent structures of Co catalysts on MgO, MgAl, and Al₂O₃ for selective transformation of levulinic acid to γ-valerolactone
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Abstract
Selective hydrogenation of levulinic acid (LA) to γ-valerolactone (GVL) is a benchmark reaction in lignocellulosic biomass valorization. In this study, we investigated the structure–activity relationships of Co catalysts supported on γ-Al₂O₃, MgO, and MgAl. Catalysts were synthesized via incipient wetness impregnation and characterized using ex-situ and in-situ techniques to elucidate structural properties. The oxide supports exerted a strong influence on Co dispersion, oxidation state, and acid–base characteristics. Co/Al₂O₃ provided high surface area and well-dispersed Co<sup>0</sup> species, whereas Co/MgO stabilized larger, partially oxidized particles of low reducibility. In contrast, Co/MgAl exhibited an intermediate state of predominantly Co<sup>0</sup> with minor Co<sup>2+</sup> species, accompanied by high H₂ adsorption and suitable acidity and basicity. Under 30 bar H₂ in 2-propanol, Co/MgAl achieved 100 % LA conversion and 86 % GVL yield at 120 °C within 2 h, outperforming Co/MgO and Co/Al₂O₃. Isotopic labeling with D₂O and 2-PrOD₈ confirmed dual hydrogenation pathways via direct H₂ activation and solvent-mediated transfer hydrogenation. Regeneration–recycling tests further demonstrated the superior stability of Co/MgAl, retaining 80 % GVL yield after four cycles with minimal Co leaching. These findings emphasize the role of support-induced structural modulation in LA hydrogenation, establishing Co/MgAl as a robust platform for scalable LA-to-GVL upgrading.