Sulfated Niobia and Zirconia Catalysts for the Synthesis of Ethyl Levulinate

Key Points

• The aim is to evaluate the effectiveness of sulfated niobia and zirconia catalysts for converting levulinic acid into ethyl levulinate.
• Synthesis of sulfated niobia and zirconia catalysts.
• Characterization of catalysts using relevant analytical techniques.
• Assessment of catalytic performance in converting levulinic acid.
• Sulfated niobia demonstrated high catalytic activity for ethyl levulinate formation.
• Zirconia catalysts showed improved yields in specific reaction conditions.
• Conversion rates of levulinic acid to ethyl levulinate vary significantly between catalysts.