Abstract:
A bulk structure of inexpensive intermetallic nickel-tin (Ni-Sn) alloys catalysts demonstrated highly
selective in the hydrogenation of levulinic acid in water into -valerolactone. The intermetallic Ni-Sn
catalysts were synthesized via a very simple thermochemical method from non-organometallic precur sor at low temperature followed by hydrogen treatment at 673 K for 90 min. The molar ratio of nickel
salt and tin salt was varied to obtain the corresponding Ni/Sn ratio of 4.0, 3.0, 2.0, 1.5, and 0.75. The
formation of Ni-Sn alloy species was mainly depended on the composition and temperature of H2 treat ment. Intermetallics Ni-Sn that contain Ni3Sn, Ni3Sn2, and Ni3Sn4 alloy phases are known to be effec tive heterogeneous catalysts for levulinic acid hydrogenation giving very excellence -valerolactone
yield of >99% at 433 K, initial H2 pressure of 4.0 MPa within 6 h. The effective hydrogenation was ob tained in H2O without the formation of by-product. Intermetallic Ni-Sn(1.5) that contains Ni3Sn2 alloy
species demonstrated very stable and reusable catalyst without any significant loss of its selectivity.
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Keywords: intermetallic nickel tin; Ni3Sn; Ni3S
