Development of the hierarchical ETS-10 zeolite catalyst for improving the aqueous-phase biomass hydrodeoxygenation activity

An imidazolium-based ionic liquid (IL) was employed and modified by sodium lignosulfonate (LnNa) to synthesize hierarchical ETS-10 zeolite with porous structure, morphology and surface properties effectively adjusted. The template and structure-directing effects of both IL and LnNa proved to be well maintained after modification. And more importantly, the unique molecular recognition of LnNa was preserved well, while the aggressiveness of LnNa implementing through interaction with other inorganic species can be efficiently suppressed. This led to the formation of hierarchical ETS-10 zeolite with not only high crystallinity and structure integrity but also enhanced catalytic performance in aqueous-phase biomass conversion. Thus, for guaiacol hydrodeoxygenation, a notable conversion (92.8%) and cyclohexane yield (89.7%) can be acquired. This remarkable catalytic reactivity should be owing to its distinguished analogous molecular recognition pattern, promoted crystallinity, modified morphology and porous structure, and what’s more, the strengthened acid property.