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The ammonia (NH3) synthesis industry is significant for many aspects of human progress and the global economy, especially in the fields of fertilizers, hydrocarbon-free energy carriers, and the production of emerging clean fuels. The world's energy for ammonia synthesis accounts for roughly 1–2% of social energy consumption. As an environmentally friendly and cheap raw material, N2 is abundant in nature. Therefore, the search for efficient catalysts that can convert N2 to NH3 under mild conditions with low energy consumption has always been a hot research topic in the field of catalysis. The conversion and utilization of renewable energy sources such as light and electricity, especially chemical energy, is of great importance to human society in terms of energy saving and environmental protection. One of the ways to reduce N2 to NH3 is the electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (e-NRR); however, the improvement of e-NRR activity is severely limited by the ultra-high chemical stability of N≡N bonds and the competition from the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The three main types of catalysts, metallic (metal complex) and non-metallic catalysts, together with natural biocatalysts, have been the target of development and improvement by researchers as suitable catalysts. In terms of photocatalytic N2 synthesis of ammonia, due to the relatively stable chemical properties of N2 molecules, it is difficult for traditional photocatalytic materials to generate the activity of reducing N2 molecules. Through continuous innovation and improvement of photocatalysts, researchers are able to increase the catalytic sites of catalysts and find suitable supporting materials to activate N2 molecules, which greatly improves the efficiency of photocatalytic N2 synthesis of ammonia. This review highlights the recent progress and development of photocatalysts and electrocatalysts for the synthesis of NH3 from N2, and briefly introduces the advantages of various catalysts and the comparison of synthesis efficiency. It is expected to provide a reference for the development of new processes that can produce high value-added chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ionic liquids (ILs) as additives were used in the selective conversion of bio-based carbohydrates to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) in this work. The effect of adding various imidazole-based ionic liquids with different anion structures on the production of HMF from fructose was firstly investigated in aqueous media. The presence of 15 wt% 1-butyl-3-methylimidazole chloride ([Bmim]Cl) ionic liquids in water with Fe2(SO4)3 as the homogeneous catalyst provided a more effective HMF synthesis compared to that without [Bmim]Cl addition. The enhanced HMF yield was mainly attributed to the fact that [Bmim]Cl might play a vital role in stabilizing the HMF molecule, which could thereby suppress side reactions involving HMF (e.g., its rehydration to levulinic acid or/and polymerization to humins). NMR and FTIR analyses suggested that such a stabilization effect stemmed from the interaction of [Bmim]Cl with the hydroxyl and aldehyde groups of HMF through hydrogen bonding. By performing the operation in a biphasic system (i.e., with the biomass-derived THF solvent as the organic phase and the addition of NaCl salt into water for improving HMF partition), the HMF yield over the Fe2(SO4)3 catalyst in the presence of the [Bmim]Cl additive could be further improved. The catalyst and ionic liquids were quite stable, and could be reused for more than five cycles with a consistent activity. A similar enhancement effect of [Bmim]Cl was also demonstrated in HMF synthesis with better yields from other biomass feedstocks or derivatives (including glucose, sucrose, cellobiose, inulin and starch) in aqueous media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of sorbitol in aqueous medium was performed over CNT supported Ru-Mo bimetallic catalyst. Compared with Ru-Mo/AC, Ru-Mo/CNT showed higher yield and selectivity towards C5/C6 alkanes due to the higher relative rate of C O vs. C C bond cleavage of sorbitol. Based on TEM, XPS and H 2 -TPR characterizations, the role of CNT in HDO reaction was studied to clarify the likely reasons for the selective C O vs. C C bond cleavage. It is suggested that an increase concentration of MoO x (x < 3) species and a smaller metal particle size in the Ru-Mo/CNT catalyst are key factors for the improvement of HDO performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A bimetallic catalyst NiCo presented efficient hydrogenolysis of levulinic acid to 2-methyltetrahydrofuran. • The NiCo catalysts with different Ni/Co ratios showed distinct performance due to varied surface properties of catalysts. • Molecular dynamics simulations highlighted a high probability of forming a close position between two hydroxyl groups of the intermediate 1,4-pentanediol in a 2-propanol medium than other mediums. The production of furanic biofuel 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (2-MTHF) has been studied by hydrodeoxygenation of biomass-derived levulinic acid (LA) over bimetallic NiCo/γ-Al 2 O 3 catalyst. The contents of Ni and Co in NiCo/γ-Al 2 O 3 were investigated. The Ni 5 Co 25 /γ-Al 2 O 3 catalyst gave high activity in hydrodeoxygenation of LA with a 73.4% yield of 2-MTHF under optimal conditions. The crystal phase, valence states, acidity and basicity of catalysts were measured by multiple characterizations to understand the relationships among 2-MTHF yields and catalyst properties. XPS characterization revealed that the number of metal oxides increased on bimetallic catalysts while the reduced metals occupied on monometallic catalysts. The bimetallic catalysts also presented increased acidity than that of monometallic catalysts. These distinct properties were also observed among bimetallic catalysts with different contents of Ni and Co, which were responsible for different performances. Besides, the solvent effect on the structure of 1,4-pentanediol, which was further converted to 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, was disclosed by molecular dynamics simulations. [Display omitted] Insights into Ni/Co ratio of bimetallic NiCo catalyst and solvent effect on efficient hydrogenolysis of levulinic acid to furanic biofuel 2-methyltetrahydrofuran [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The conversion of propanoic acid under high hydrogen pressure has been studied over zirconia-supported monometallic Ru and bimetallic Ru–Mo catalysts. The cleavage of C–C bond of propanoic acid to methane and ethane is improved and the formation of Cnation products (propanol and propane) is decreased with increasing the temperature. Upon addition of Mo, both the overall activity and the C–C bond cleavage selectivity decrease while the selectivity of Cnation increases. With increase of Mo contents, the C–C bond cleavage reaction is significantly inhibited, especially at high temperature. This is also confirmed by the DRIFTS of propanoic acid, showing that the propanoyl intermediate species on Ru–Mo bimetal catalysts is more difficult to dissociate to CO compared with Ru monometal catalyst. Based on H2-TPR, CO-FTIR and DRIFTS of propanoic acid characterizations, the reaction mechanisms and the resulting selectivity towards the possible reaction paths (C–C bond cleavage/Cnation) are discussed in terms of the formation of Ru–MoO x and the stability and variety of propanoyl intermediate species occurring on the Ru–Mo bimetal catalysts. It is suggested that the interaction of Ru and MoO x species and the formation of Ru–MoO x interface are the important factors for the decrease in the TOF of propanoic acid and the C–C bond cleavage selectivity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: For the aqueous-phase hydrodeoxygenation (APHDO) of carboxylic acids over the Ru/C, Ru/ZrO2 and Ru/Al2O3 catalysts, the Cnation and C–C bond cleavage reactions were studied by collecting reaction kinetics data and the measures of DRIFTS. The C–C bond cleavage was improved at high temperature and with high metal loadings. The acidic supports in combination with Ru metal can favor the Cnation of carboxyl. The C–C bond cleavage derived from the decarbonylation of acyl on the catalyst was studied by the measures of DRIFTS. The APHDO and DRIFTS results demonstrated that the C–C bond cleavage was favored in the order of Ru/C>Ru/ZrO2 >Ru/Al2O3. The catalysts were characterized by multiple methods (H2-TPR, NH3-TPD, CO-FTIR and DRIFTS of propanoic acid). It is concluded that the effect of support on the reaction routes may be attributed to these factors of catalysts, i.e., surface acidity, metal–support interaction and electronic state of Ru species. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The selective hydrogenolysis of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) platform molecule to 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF) has attracted increasing attention due to its broad range of applications. However, HMF, with multiple functional groups, produces various byproducts, hindering its use on an industrial scale. Herein, a bimetallic Pt-FeOx/AC catalyst with low Pt and FeOx loadings for selective HMF hydrogenolysis to DMF was prepared by incipient wetness impregnation. The structures and properties of different catalysts were characterized by XRD, XPS, TEM, ICP-OES and Py-FTIR techniques. The addition of FeOx enhanced Pt dispersion and the Lewis acidic site density of the catalysts, and was found to be able to inhibit C=C hydrogenation, thereby im-proving DMF yield. Moreover, the presence of Pt promoted the reduction of iron oxide, creating a strong interaction between Pt and FeOx. This synergistic effect originated from the activation of the C–O bond over FeOx species followed by hydrogenolysis over the adjacent Pt, and played a critical role in hydrogenolysis of HMF to DMF, achieving a yield of 91% under optimal reaction conditions. However, the leaching of Fe species caused a metal–acid imbalance, which led to an increase in ring hydrogenation products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The 5Pt5Fe/C catalyst achieved an exceptional 99.6 % yield in synthesizing 2,5-dimethylfuran from 5-hydroxymethylfurfural. • The 5Pt5Fe/C catalyst efficiently hydrogenated C = O bonds and cleaved C O bonds of diverse substrates. • Ni species in 5Pt5Ni/C leads to a high Ni0 percentage, amplifying hydrogenation activity, leading to the hydrogenation of furan ring. • The 5Pt5Fe/C catalyst demonstrated stable performance, maintaining a commendable DMF yield over five reaction cycles. 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF), a promising biomass-derived fuel, is synthesized via the hydrodeoxygenation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). This study focuses on the inherent activity of a 5Pt5Fe/C catalyst for HMF hydrodeoxygenation to DMF. The catalyst exhibited exceptional performance, achieving a remarkable DMF yield of 99.6 %. It displayed specific selectivity for C = O bond hydrogenation and C O bond cleavage in diverse substrates, producing high yield of 2-methylfuran from furfural and furfury alcohol, and high yield of toluene from benzaldehyde, benzyl alcohol. In-depth characterizations unveiled valuable insights into the 5Pt5Fe/C catalyst's properties, emphasizing a harmonious balance between metal and acid sites due to the interactive synergy between Pt and Fe species, enhancing hydrodeoxygenation activity. Additionally, the catalyst demonstrated satisfactory stability, maintaining a commendable DMF yield over five reaction cycles despite observed changes. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Achieved 99.6% guaiacol conversion to hydrocarbon with a cost-effective Cu-ZnO-Al 2 O 3 catalyst. • Oxygen vacancies on ZnO/Cu surface boost guaiacol hydrodeoxygenation. • Density Functional Theory calculations reveal key catalytic pathways, providing crucial design insights. • Proven stability over seven cycles, emphasizing potential for industrial-scale biofuel production. This study explores the efficacy of a cost-effective Cu-ZnO-Al 2 O 3 catalyst for one-pot hydrodeoxygenation of guaiacol into hydrocarbons. Notably, complete conversion of guaiacol was achieved, yielding a 99.6% hydrocarbon over the robust Cu(6)Zn(3)Al(1) catalyst under the conditions of 4 MPa H 2 , 300 °C, and 8 h with a catalyst/guaiacol ratio of 0.5 g/1.0 g. In-depth catalyst characterizations unveiled the presence of oxygen vacancies within the ZnO surface layer, acting as pivotal active sites that facilitated the hydrodeoxygenation of guaiacol. Furthermore, Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations were employed to evaluate several potential active sites, revealing that the oxygen vacancy of ZnO on the Cu surface played a crucial role. This vacancy enhanced the adsorption of intermediate cyclohexanol and markedly reduced the energy barrier for the rate-limiting step. This comprehensive investigation sheds light on the catalytic pathway and offers insights into designing efficient and sustainable biofuel production processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this work, hierarchical ZSM-5 zeolites featured by different Si/Al ratio and mesoporosity were prepared via soft template. The hierarchical zeolites supported iron catalysts were prepared by incipient impregnation and their properties were studied by XRD, XRF, BET, SEM, TEM and NH 3 -TPD. The resultant catalysts were used to convert syngas into aromatics. The results indicated that zeolite with high acidity could increase the selectivity to aromatics in the oil product. By using low Si/Al ratio catalyst Fe-Z-50-5, 70.7% of selectivity to aromatics can be obtained in oil product. With the increase of mesoporosity, selectivity of C 5+ oil product also increased. By adjusting silane addition, 23.2% selectivity of aromatics was obtained in hydrocarbon over Fe-Z-80-15 catalyst, which is the highest among all the same catalyst system under low H 2 /CO syngas (H 2 /CO = 1). However, hierarchical zeolite support with different Si/Al ratio and mesoporosity have little effect on the distribution of aromatic product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct production of 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF) from fructose is crucial for developing biomass-derived fuels, yet it presents significant challenges due to the need for multifunctional active sites for dehydration and hydrodeoxygenation. Meanwhile, the disposal of wine lees, a major winemaking by-product, incurs substantial costs. Herein, a hybrid catalyst system of sulfonated wine lees carbon (WLC-SO 3 H) and PtFe/C was introduced, achieving a DMF yield of 66.4 % directly from fructose. WLC-SO 3 H, with enhanced Brønsted acidity, demonstrated high activity in dehydrating fructose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) with a 98.2 % yield. PtFe/C effectively catalyzed the hydrodeoxygenation of HMF to DMF, driven by the strong interaction between Pt and Fe species. This interaction was confirmed through in situ DRIFTS and theoretical calculations, highlighting the system's superior catalytic performance. [Display omitted] • A hybrid catalyst of sulfonated wine lees carbon and PtFe/C was developed. • The hybrid catalyst catalyzed fructose to a yield of 66.4 % 2,5-dimethylfuran. • Sulfonated wine lees carbon dehydrated fructose to 98.2 % 5-hydroxymethylfurfural. • Strong interaction in PtFe/C promoted hydrodeoxygenation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural. • Utilized wine lees waste for sustainable waste valorization and biofuel production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, bifunctional Ru-WO X support on four kinds of biochars using as hydrogenation catalysts to convert cellulose into sorbitol. Four biochar including walnut shell (WS), eucalyptus lignin (EL), pine lignin (PN), and corn cob (CN). The Ru-WO X /biochar catalysts were characterized, and the performance of the catalysts were studied under various conditions. It showed that biochar supports have significantly affected on hydrogenation activity, the sorbitol yields have the order of WS > PN > EL > CN, and found that Ru-WO X /WS achieved 100% cellulose conversion and sorbitol yield as high as 82.6% at 220°C for 4 h, and 3 MPa H 2 pressure. The relation of structure-performance showed that biochar from WS facilitated the formation of Ru0 due to its larger specific surface area as well as high ratio of Ru0/Ru4+. The catalytic performance has not changed after using 5 times. • Four biomass-based catalysts were successfully prepared. • Ru-WO X /WS catalyst showed the best catalytic performance. • The sorbitol yield of Ru-WO X /WS catalyst reach as high as 82.6%. • Sorbitol yield was determined by ratios of Ru0/Ru4+. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a bio-based platform compound, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) can be effectively converted into other high value-added derivatives. Here we report two non-noble metal catalysts for the selective oxidation of HMF, NC and Co@NC are easily obtained by pyrolysis of ZIF-8 and ZIF-67, respectively. The NC and Co@NC catalysts oxidized HMF to FFCA (Select. 95 %) and FDCA (Select. 98 %), respectively, using O 2 as oxidant. Experimental and theoretical studies show that pyridinic N and graphitic N in NC has high catalytic activity for the oxidation of carbonyl groups in HMF to FFCA, while the synergistic effect of Co-N in Co@NC can completely oxidize HMF to FDCA. DFT calculations show that, compared with NC, the Co@NC containing Co-N exhibits a lower energy barrier during the aerobic oxidation of HMF to FDCA. And Co-N leads to the conversion of electrons from N to Co and promotes the activation of O 2 to form O 2 -, and then oxidize HMF to FDCA. Interestingly, our reaction system is universal, and could achieve almost 100 % conversion of various furfural substrates to corresponding carboxylic acid. This study may provide a new/highly efficient catalysts for biomass conversion. [Display omitted] • Catalysts derived from the pyrolysis of ZIFs can achieve the target product of autonomous and selective oxidation of HMF. • NC derived from ZIF-8 achieves nearly 100 % FFCA selectivity. • Co@NC derived from ZIF-67 achieves nearly 100 % FDCA selectivity. • Our reaction system has good universality for furfural/furfuryl alcohol selective oxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of thermally stable Pt-based catalysts with superior performance for propane dehydrogenation reactions remains a daunting challenge. In this study, a series of PtSn-Mg(Zn)AlO catalysts with different Zn and Pt contents were synthesized by the anion-exchange method for the propane dehydrogenation reaction. To investigate the influence of Zn on the reaction performance and the catalyst structure, the prepared catalysts were characterized with several analytical techniques, including XRD, TEM, HRTEM, H 2 -TPD and CO pulse chemisorption. A good propane conversion (initially higher than 55% and averaging 45.2% over a period of 2 h) and propene selectivity (higher than 99%) were obtained experimentally with PtSn-Mg(3Zn)AlO at 550 °C. The results demonstrated that Pt provided the active sites and that Zn was a promoter. The HRTEM and CO pulse chemisorption results indicated that the addition of Zn to the PtSn-MgAlO catalyst can stabilize the dispersion of metal particles and thus inhibit the sintering of Pt particles. Furthermore, the activities of the used catalysts were almost recovered through reaction-regeneration cycles with the burning-off of coke during five cycles. • Zn influences the structure and properties of PtSn-MgAlO. • An average propane conversion of 45.2% for a period of 2 h was obtained. • Propene was obtained with a superior selectivity of above 99%. • Propane conversions still attain 38.5% after 5 reaction–regeneration cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • ZSM-5 zeolites with similar acidity but different mesoporosity and mesoporous sizes can be synthesized. • Increased zeolitic mesoporosity can improve stability of iron-based/ZSM-5 catalyst by inhibiting coke. • Decreased zeolitic mesoporous size can increase the aromatics selectivity and light aromatics fraction. The utilization of iron-based/ZSM-5 bifunctional catalysts for converting syngas to aromatics (STA) has garnered significant interest because of its cost-effectiveness. This study aims to elucidate the regulatory mechanism of zeolitic pore structure on the performance of the bifunctional catalyst in STA reaction. The relationship among the mesoporosity and mesoporous diameter of hierarchical ZSM-5 zeolite component, product distribution, and catalyst stability is investigated through a range of analyses techniques, including XRD, SEM, TG, Raman, N 2 -adsorption and desorption. The results demonstrate that as the mesoporosity of zeolite increased to 78.9%, the lifetime of the iron-based/ZSM-5 bifunctional catalyst extended beyond 96 h and maintained the aromatics selectivity over 40% at 2 MPa, 320 °C, and 3000 h−1. This outcome can be attributed to the role of high mesoporosity in restraining coke formation in zeolites. Moreover, the reduction in mesopore size from 11.1 to 5.8 nm results in an increased aromatics selectivity from 39.6% to 43.4%, and the fraction of light aromatics rose from 48.8% to 54.5%, indicating that small mesopore size can also expedite the production of aromatics, particularly light aromatics. It is thus concluded that the improvement of aromatics selectivity and stability of iron-based/ZSM-5 bifunctional catalysts in STA reaction can be achieved by increasing the mesoporosity and decreasing the mesopore size of the zeolite component. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • PtSn-Mg(Ga)(Al)O catalyst displays an excellent activity for ethane dehydrogenation. • The introduction of Ga has a great influence on the electronic environment of Pt. • Ga3+ stabilized Pt properties in calcined Mg(Ga)(Al)O LDHs can promote ethane dehydrogenation activities. Abstract A series of catalysts [PtSn-Mg(Ga)(Al)O, Pt-Mg(Ga)(Al)O, PtSn-Mg(Al)O, Pt-Mg(Al)O, Sn-Mg(Ga)(Al)O, and Sn-Mg(Al)O] were prepared and investigated to understand the roles of Pt, Ga, and Sn in the ethane dehydrogenation reaction. In the catalytic dehydrogenation of ethane, PtSn–Mg(Ga)(Al)O displays excellent specific activity for ethene formation. It obtained 25% conversion of ethane in an ethane-poor feed (10% in nitrogen). This work relates the chemical and electronic properties of the catalysts to the chemical activity. Pt is the active site, and Ga has a promotion effect for ethane dehydrogenation. High-resolution transmission electron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic characterizations indicate that the addition of Sn and Ga can reduce the size of metal particles, and there is an electronic interaction between Pt and Ga. Further, we found that the calcined Mg(Ga)(Al)O layer double hydrotalcites contain a small amount of pentacoordinate Ga3+ ions, which are able to disperse and stabilize Pt clusters. The promotion of ethane dehydrogenation activity can be attributed to the electronic interactions between Pt and Ga. This insight may provide a new strategy for designing catalysts for light alkane dehydrogenation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • An appropriate amount of Cu promotes the conversion of syngas into aromatics. • The tandem catalyst obtains a high space–time yield of 2.65 g aromatics ·g Fe −1·h−1. • Cu promoter suppresses methane formation and enhances tandem catalysts' stability. • Cu promoter facilitates CO to participate in the process of olefins to aromatics. Direct conversion of syngas into aromatics (STA) on the tandem catalyst containing Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) synthesis catalysts and acid zeolites, especially Fe-based catalysts and ZSM-5, has been attracting significant attention due to the higher cost efficiency. Even though promoters have frequently been added into the Fe-based part to improve the performance of STA reaction, its motivating mechanism is still unclear in the tandem catalyst system. Herein, the influence of the Cu promoter was evaluated for the catalytic activity of Fe-based/zeolite tandem catalysts in the STA process. Moreover, the working mechanism of the Cu promoter had been systematically investigated by adding different copper amounts and deliberately designed experiments. It was demonstrated that the addition of copper could improve aromatic selectivity because the Cu promoter could facilitate CO to participate in the conversion of olefins into aromatics over the tandem catalyst. In addition, the Cu promoter doped into the Fe-based catalyst drastically suppressed methane formation and enhanced the stability of the catalyst in the STA reaction. These findings provide insights into the effect of the Cu promoter on producing aromatics from syngas over the Fe-based/zeolite tandem catalyst system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Solid base NaOH/CT-4 is effective in condensation of furfural and levulinic acid. • The synergistic effect of amino and NaOH gives a high C15 yield. • Catalytic kinetic analysis of the condensation over NaOH/CT-4 was conducted. • Condensed products can be converted into jet fuel range alkanes by HDO. In this paper, jet fuel range alkanes were produced by aldol condensation of furfural and levulinic acid over modified chitosan catalyst and subsequent hydrodeoxygenation. NaOH modified chitosan was developed and used as a solid catalyst in the aldol condensation of furfural and levulinic acid to produce long carbon chain compounds. At room temperature, the total yield of condensation products reached 94.4% over NaOH/CT-4 catalyst. The amine of chitosan plays an important role in the aldol condensation, which reacted with the aldehyde group of the furfural, producing an intermediate Schiff base and promoting the formation of condensation products. This new route avoided the occurrence of side reactions caused by NaOH. Therefore, the yield of the products was greatly increased. Moreover, kinetic analysis of the condensation reaction and the test of catalyst repeatability were also conducted with NaOH/CT-4. The condensation products were further converted to long-chain branched alkanes by hydrodeoxygenation over the 5 wt% Pd/NbOPO 4 catalyst. As a potential application, these alkanes could be mixed with and used as the components of jet fuels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, Ni-based catalysts were prepared using the impregnation method. Ni/Al 2 O 3 showed good performance with a γ‐valerolactone (GVL) yield of 99.2% from hydrogenation of levulinic acid (LA). Among the tested bimetallic catalysts, the NiCo catalyst showed better performance than NiMn, NiMo, and NiCu catalysts for the hydrogenation of LA to GVL. Catalysts with different Ni/Co ratio were synthesized, and 15%Ni-15%Co/Al 2 O 3 shows the best performance with a GVL yield of 99.5%. The textural and chemical characteristics of the NiCo/Al 2 O 3 were determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and H 2 temperature-programmed reduction (H 2 -TPD). This study shows that the incorporation of the Ni and Co metals formed a Ni-Co alloy, which significantly increased the activity than other Ni-based bimetallic catalysts and led to a milder condition for hydrogenation of LA to GVL. The test of reuse potential of 15%Ni-15%Co/Al 2 O 3 exhibited good stability up to 5 cycles without obvious deactivation. • Ni nanodendrites HER catalyst is fabricated via the low-temperature method. • Low overpotential of Ni NDs50 is 49 mV at 10 mA cm−2. • The magnetic anisotropy of nickel nanoparticles benefits to dendrite structure. • Multiple branching dendrite structures provide large electrochemical surface areas for HER. Selective hydrogenation of levulinic acid to γ-Valerolactone over Ni and NiCo catalysts [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, vacuum degas is employed to treat MIL-125(Ti) for catalyzing oxidative desulfurization (ODS). From MIL-125(Ti) by vacuum degassing at 300 °C, Quasi-MIL-125(Ti) possesses a transition-state between pristine MIL-125(Ti) and TiO 2 /Carbon, also has unique structural features, such as larger pores, and abundant oxygen vacancies. Its ODS activity is almost line with the oxygen vacancies concentrations and is approximately 3.5 and 3.8 times higher than that of pristine MIL-125(Ti) and TiO 2 /Carbon, respectively. And excellent stability of the catalyst was confirmed by recycling experiments. This work opens an easy route for developing mixed TiIV/TiIII valanced Ti-MOFs for ODS reaction. Image 1 • Quasi-Ti-MOF was successfully prepared by vacuum degassed at 300 °C. • This material possesses a transition-state between MIL-125(Ti) and TiO 2 /Carbon. • This catalyst exhibit excellent oxidative desulfurization activity. • Its catalytic activity is linear correlation with the number of oxygen vacancies. • The reaction intermediate of this material is Ti–O–O and not Image 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]