Rational Optimization of Reaction Conditions for the One-Pot Transformation of Furfural to gamma-Valerolactone over Zr-Al-Beta Zeolite: Toward the Efficient Utilization of Biomass

The optimization of the production of gamma-valerolactone (GVL) from furfural (FAL) through a cascade of transformations involving hydrogen transfer and different acid-driven reactions has been tackled by using a bifunctional Zr-Al-beta zeolite as catalyst. The study involved the simultaneous evaluation of the influence of the main reaction parameters affecting the performance of the selected catalyst, including temperature, catalyst loading, furfural concentration, and reaction time. An experimental design methodology was applied, aiming to maximize the performance of the catalyst in terms of GVL selectivity and efficient use of the biomass resource (minimizing the undesired products), herein denoted as selective productivity. The effects of the studied reaction parameters on each response factor have been obtained and discussed. The ratio furfural/catalyst appears as the key parameter governing the performance of the catalyst system. Under the optimized reaction conditions, the maximum value achieved for GVL selective productivity is 0.61, corresponding to an S-GVL of 70.0% and a productivity of 0.88 g(GVL).g(CAT)(-1).