Zr-modified USY zeolite as an efficient catalyst for the production of bio-jet fuel precursors from levulinic acid and furfural in the absence of solvent - Dataset

The research is the first-time demonstration of solventless acid-catalysed levulinic acid/furfural aldol condensation. The catalytic performance of a commercial H-USY zeolite and two post-synthetic variations thereof, with different dealumination degree and Zr loading, is analyzed, aiming at tuning the acid catalytic properties.

The catalyst with an almost complete Al removal accompanied by the highest Zr wt% (Zr-USY-2) gave the best results in terms of selective conversion of furfural, pointing out to the Lewis acid sites as the main active sites to promote the aldol condensation reaction. An experimental design allowed to identify the optimal LA/FAL molar ratio (9/ 1) and reaction temperature (140 ◦C), while catalyst loading presented a minor significance.