WO3/Al-HZSM-5 catalysts for effective catalytic conversion of biomass-derived levulinic acid to angelica lactones

In this work, microporous HZSM-5 and different wt.% (1, 3, 5, and 7%) WO3 loaded Al-HZSM-5 catalysts were synthesized by the hydrothermal and impregnation methods. The physicochemical properties of prepared materials were characterized by various instrumental techniques. The powder XRD patterns of the synthesized HZSM-5 catalyst confirmed the crystalline nature of microporous materials. All the prepared materials were evaluated for their catalytic activity towards the vapor phase esterification of levulinic acid (LA) at atmospheric N2 pressure. Various reaction parameters such as the effect of reaction time, WO3 loading, catalyst weight, and reaction temperature were optimized. Among the different catalysts, 5% WO3/Al-HZSM-5 exhibited the highest catalytic activity of 98% levulinic acid conversion with 74% selectivity towards angelica lactones (AL) under optimized conditions and showed good stability and recyclability.