Influence of W on the reduction behaviour and Brønsted acidity of Ni/TiO2 catalyst in the hydrogenation of levulinic acid to valeric acid: Pyridine adsorbed DRIFTS study
Strong interaction between W and Ni leads to increased Ni2+/Ni0 ratio on surface. At ambient H2 pressure levulinic acid was converted to valeric acid over W-Ni/TiO2. Lewis acid site in combination with Ni0 active for γ-valerolactone. Brønsted acid sites close to nickel sites are responsible for valeric acid formation.