Graphene oxide framework-confined Ru (Ru@GOF) as recyclable catalyst for hydrogenation of levulinic acid into γ-valerolactone with formic acid

Novel Ru-based heterogeneous catalysts are reported, where Ru nanoparticles are confined in the gallery space of graphene oxide frameworks (GOFs) pillared with organic linkers. These catalysts were then studied for the conversion of levulinic acid into γ-valerolactone using formic acid as a hydrogen source. The activity and recyclability of the Ru@GOF catalysts were found to be excellent compared to those of an unconfined Ru/GO catalyst and catalysts reported in the literature. γ-Valerolactone was obtained in the yield of 92 mol% with the turnover frequency of 7240 h –1 . A similar yield level was maintained at least up to 5 cycles. Graphical abstract