Systematic optimization of the Ni-to-Mo ratio in bimetallic Ni–Mo₂C catalysts for efficient selective hydrogenation of levulinic acid to γ-valerolactone
Issued Date
2025-10-15
Resource Type
ISSN
03783820
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105008806452
Journal Title
Fuel Processing Technology
Volume
276
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Fuel Processing Technology Vol.276 (2025)
Suggested Citation
Sakdee R., Ratchahat S., Sakdaronnarong C., Koo-amornpattana W., Limphirat W., Mahakot S., Assabumrungrat S., Srifa A. Systematic optimization of the Ni-to-Mo ratio in bimetallic Ni–Mo₂C catalysts for efficient selective hydrogenation of levulinic acid to γ-valerolactone. Fuel Processing Technology Vol.276 (2025). doi:10.1016/j.fuproc.2025.108276 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/110959
Title
Systematic optimization of the Ni-to-Mo ratio in bimetallic Ni–Mo₂C catalysts for efficient selective hydrogenation of levulinic acid to γ-valerolactone
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Abstract
In this investigation, the optimization of Ni-to-Mo ratios in synergistic bimetallic Ni–Mo₂C catalysts was systematically investigated through a co-impregnation method, followed by the transformation of the calcined precursors into carbide structures via a carbothermal reduction process. The catalytic performance was evaluated for the hydrogenation of levulinic acid (LA) to γ-valerolactone (GVL). Comprehensive physical and structural characterizations were carried out to elucidate the structure–activity relationships. In the designed Ni<inf>x</inf>Mo<inf>y</inf>C catalysts, a Ni to Mo ratio of 1.0: 1.0, corresponding to the Ni<inf>1.0</inf>Mo<inf>1.0</inf>C catalyst, exhibited the highest activity for hydrogenating LA into GVL. The superior performance of the Ni<inf>1.0</inf>Mo<inf>1.0</inf>C catalyst is attributed to the synergistic interfacial electronic interactions between the metallic Ni<sup>0</sup> and Mo<inf>2</inf>C species, along with the presence of well-ordered carbon layer structures. Under optimized reaction conditions (160 °C, 20 bar H₂ pressure, 8 h reaction time, and 20 wt% catalyst loading), the Ni<inf>1.0</inf>Mo<inf>1.0</inf>C catalyst achieved complete LA conversion and a GVL yield of 97.4 %. This high performance is attributed to its small particle size, improved H<inf>2</inf> adsorption–desorption capacity, and the presence of appropriately distributed acidic sites. These findings highlight the competitive performance of Ni–Mo₂C catalysts for the efficient production of GVL from LA, offering promising applications in sustainable biorefinery processes.