Conversion of biomass to γ-valerolactone by efficient transfer hydrogenation of ethyl levulinate over Al-SPAN nanosheets

It is a green and environment-friendly strategy to use biomass to assist the synthesis of catalysts and use the prepared catalysts for biomass utilization. In this study, aluminum-rich silicon-phosphorus-aluminum nanosheet (Al-SPAN) was synthesized with biomass amino acids as additives for catalytic transfer hydrogenation of ethyl levulinate to γ-valerolactone. Compared with commercial Al 2 O 3 , Al-SPAN showed greatly improved catalytic performance for the reaction. The conversion of ethyl levulinate was increased by 47 % and the yield of γ-valerolactone was increased by 52 %. The effects of different alcohol on the reaction properties were investigated, with isopropanol used as a safe and efficient hydrogen source. The catalyst has good stability with little change in reaction performance after five cycles. • Biomass amino acids were used to assist in the synthesis of catalysts. • The Al-rich nanosheets show good performance in the conversion of ethyl levulinate. • The aluminum site is efficient for catalytic transfer hydrogenation reaction. • Isopropanol could be used as a safe and efficient hydrogen source.