Tuning the structure and surface chemistry of CuCo-derived layered double oxides glycerol valorization reactions

Through co-precipitation and surfactant and urea-assisted hydrothermal syntheses, the V, Ti or Ce were tentatively introduced in CuCo-based layered double hydroxides (LDH) alongside the control of the morphology, electronic properties and porosity of their derived layered double oxides (LDO). The solids were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), textural properties, Raman and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, chemical analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Scanning electron microscopy coupled to energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurements. Variations in the type of third metal incorporation using the two synthesis methods resulted in distinct metal valences, lattice defects and surface chemistry properties playing a pivotal role in the glycerol valorization reactions. The structures and oxygen vacancy-mediated ternary synergy in CuCo-based oxides derived from layered double hydroxides are deeply investigated. A promising synthetic route to obtain CuCoCe catalyst for acetalization of glycerol with furfuraldehyde as substrate resulted in glycerol conversion of 78% and selectivity to the 5- and 6-membered acetals of 20%. The presence of CuCo 2 O 4 phase and oxygen vacancy-mediated ternary synergism owing to the Ce presence in the oxides resulted in better catalytic properties towards glycerol valorization to produce cyclic acetals.