Influence of binder selection on the catalytic performance of zeolite-based bifunctional catalysts for biomass catalysis

Abstract

The impact of binder selection on catalytic performance of real catalyst extrudates is still limitedly shown in biomass catalysis. Herein, we have prepared two zeolite-based bifunctional extrudates (Ni/LaY-Al₂O₃ and Ni/LaY-SiO₂). Compared with Ni/LaY-Al₂O₃, Ni/LaY-SiO₂ shows a markedly enhanced durability and sustained performance for 936 h in the continuous liquid-phase hydrogenation of γ-valerolactone into methyl pentanoate. Complementary characterization studies reveal that choosing SiO₂ as binder could efficiently mitigate metal agglomeration, coke formation and support dealumination during catalysis. These findings showcase that binder selection is essential for catalyst durability in the development of the industrial-level bifunctional catalysts for biomass valorization.