Synthesis of Highly Accessible Gallosilicates via Impregnation Procedure: Enhanced Catalytic Performances in the Conversion of Glycerol into Solketal. Issue 23 (6th November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hussein, Hussein; Vivian, Alvise; Fusaro, Luca; Devillers, Michel; Aprile, Carmela
• Is Part Of: ChemCatChem. Volume 12:Issue 23(2020)
• Page Start: 5966
• Page End: 5976
• Publication Date: 2020-11-06
• Subjects: mesoporous gallosilicates -- glycerol -- solketal; Catalysis -- Periodicals; 541.39505
• DOI: 10.1002/cctc.202001172
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1867-3880

Abstract

Abstract: Two mesoporous gallosilicates with extra‐small particle size were synthesized via wet impregnation starting from lactate or citrate‐type Ga(III) precursors. The structural and textural properties of the materials were extensively characterized by different techniques. Both materials consist of nanosized particles and display a remarkably high surface area and a pore size distribution typical of mesoporous MCM‐41‐like materials. The two solids were tested as catalysts in acetalization of glycerol with acetone to produce solketal (2, 2‐dimethyl‐1, 3‐dioxolane‐4‐methanol). Both catalysts displayed excellent performances and achieved higher turnover numbers compared to other Ga‐silicates reported in literature. The outstanding activity of these catalysts is attributed to the combination of acidity, large specific surface area as well as to the full accessibility of the active sites as consequence of the impregnation procedure. The best catalysts are truly heterogeneous with absence of Ga leaching and reusable in successive catalytic cycles after thermal treatment without significant deterioration of the catalytic performance. Abstract : Highly dispersed mesoporous gallosilicate catalysts synthesized via wet impregnation exhibit outstanding catalytic activity in the direct conversion of glycerol to solketal under solventless conditions.