Undecaphosphotungstates anchored to Zeolite beta: Characterization and evaluation in levulinic and succinic acid for the synthesis of biofuel additives

This work presents a novel material synthesis for energy conversion applications, synthesized via wet impregnation of undecaphosphotungstates and zeolite beta which is a combination of molecular design precision with unique inorganic architecture of metal-oxygen clusters and zeolite framework. Its characterization was carried out by NH 3 -TPD, BET, TGA, FTIR, XRD, HRTEM techniques to understand the structural, thermal and acidic properties. For the very first time such hybrid system is being introduced for the esterification of two top-most bioplatform molecules levulinic acid (Conversion = 87.0%±2.0%) and succinic acid (Conversion 98.0%±2.0%) with 1-butanol to produce their butyl esters, by a systematic optimization of main reaction parameters which resulted in significant conversion/selectivity and high turnover numbers (>3000). The consistent performance observed across bench-sclae runs demonstrates the operational stability and reproducibility of the catalytic system under laboratory conditions. The kinetic studies reveal the second order reactions with activation energy ≤ 70–96 kJ/mol depicting the true chemical steps. Moreover, the catalyst gives excellent activity up to multiple recycling runs showing the sustain and stable nature required for durable energy materials. Evaluation at Technology Readiness Level 3 (laboratory proof-of-concept) highlighted its applicability. Sustainability of this energy material transformation was validated via the principles of Green Chemistry, Green Engineering and the Sustainable Development Goals. Atom Economy, E-Factor, Process Mass Intensity, Reaction Mass Efficiency was found in the acceptable range. Further, it highlights the catalyst potential in the efficient biomass valorization towards chemical energy conversion and propel green catalytic process development via exploring C1 to C7 alcohols enabling liquid biofuel energy production.