Catalytic transfer hydrogenation of α-angelica lactone over Nickel(II) modified UiO-66 metal organic framework under mild conditions

Abstract

In the realm of biomass valorization, catalysts play a pivotal role, and UiO-66(Zr), a type of metal organic framework (MOF), emerges as a promising heterogeneous catalyst. This study focuses on incorporating Ni2+ into UiO-66(Zr) for application in catalytic transfer hydrogenation (CTH) of bio-derived α-angelica lactone (a-AL) to ɣ-valerolactone (GVL). The synthesis of UiO-66(Zr) occurs through a solvothermal process at 120 °C for 24 h. Ni(II) modification, achieved through wet impregnation with loadings of 2.5 and 5.0 wt%, results in no observable diffraction peaks associated with Ni particles in XRD analysis. FTIR analysis indicates significant shifts, suggesting deprotonation of the carboxylic moiety from the ligand and coordination with Zr4+ metal ion. Nitrogen sorption isotherms show a reduction in surface area and pore volume upon Ni(II) incorporation. FESEM analysis reveals particle agglomeration and increased size with Ni(II) introduction. EDX and HRTEM confirm the presence of 0.9 and 1.8 wt% Ni(II) on UiO-66(Zr). TG/DTA analysis affirms that Ni(II) does not affect the thermal stability of UiO-66(Zr). Ultimately, the introduction of Ni(II) enhances the catalytic performance of UiO-66(Zr), increasing the conversion and selectivity towards ɣ-valerolactone from 67 to 83.3 % and 71.6 % to 97.4 %, respectively, under mild reaction conditions.