Selective hydrodeoxygenation of levulinic acid to gamma-valerolactone over Ru supported on functionalized carbon nanofibers

In this work, carbon nanofibers (CNFs) have been successfully functionalized by using different approaches and finally used for the preparation of Ru based catalysts. The organometallic approach has been demonstrated to be suitable for CNF functionalization, leading to well-defined Ru NPs (by adding organosilane, amino or mercapto functionalities, among others) in comparison with mineral acid treatments conventionally used to activate and/or functionalize carbonaceous solids. All catalysts have been tested in levulinic acid hydrodeoxygenation to gamma-valerolactone under mild conditions, with the impact of CNF functionalization on the catalysts' performance fully discussed in comparison with unmodified commercial CNFs.