Catalytic conversion of GVL to biofuels using Cu and Pt catalysts over microwave-synthesized FAU zeolite

This work aims to develop the microwave-assisted synthesis route for FAU zeolite. The effect of aging and crystallization times, as well as the use of ultrasonication during the synthesis stages, was studied. A highly crystalline, an extended BET surface area (215.45 m2/g), and a hierarchical nanostructure of faujasite zeolite were obtained using a combined microwave-assisted synthesis with an ultrasonication treatment (MOFAU). The resulting zeolites were used as supports for Pt and Cu catalysts, using a novel polyol impregnation method was possible to achieve an adequate metal loading and homogeneous dispersion of the metal. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scattering and Transmission Electronic Microscopy (SEM and TEM), Temperature-Programed Reduction (TPR), Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and N2 physisorption analyses were used to determine the physicochemical properties of the obtained materials. The prepared materials were used in the catalytic transfer hydrogenation (CTH) of gamma-valerolactone (GVL) using formic acid (FA) as H2 source. The synthesized catalysts presented catalytic activity under the described conditions and 2-MTHF was identified as an interest product observing the highest selectivity with the 3%Pt/MOFAU material.