Enhanced catalytic activity and high stability of treated Pt-Ru/ zeolite Y catalysts for levulinic acid hydrogenation reaction.

Bifunctional Pt-Ru/zeolite Y catalysts were prepared by ethylene glycol reduction (EGR) method, with 3 wt% of Pt and various ratios of Ru. The performance of catalysts was investigated for hydrogenation of levulinic acid (LA) to produce gamma-valerolactone (GVL). Catalysts were thermally treated in presence of NaOH and re-evaluated. The results showed that the thermal treatment contributed to adjustment of bifunctional Pt-Rux/Y acidity and further improved hydrogenation activity conversion of LA up to 100% and yield of GVL up to 97.99%. It also preserved the crystal structure of zeolite and showed better thermal stability as compared to Pt/Y and Ru/Y catalysts. • Pt-Rux/zeolite Y catalyst was achieved using the ethylene glycol reduction method. • Subsequent alkaline treatment allowed activation of Pt sites and adjusted zeolite acidity. • Treated Pt-Ru/zeolite catalysts showed the highest product and selectivity to GVL. • The treated catalysts showed better thermal stability and preserved the structure of the zeolite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]