By tuning Si/Al ratio and Pt loading in beta-zeolite-supported catalysts, the study balanced Brønsted/Lewis acidity and metal-support interactions. The optimized 0.5Pt/BEA-12.5 used Lewis sites to activate carbonyl intermediates and moderated Brønsted acidity to promote esterification without excessive humin. It achieved over 99% HMF conversion and 92.0% methyl-levulinate yield at low Pt loading and also processed glucose, fructose and sucrose feedstocks.
Key findings
- Framework Al governed acidity and active Pt stabilization. • 0.5Pt/BEA-12.5 delivered >99% conversion and 92% ML yield. • The catalyst also processed three sugar feedstocks.
Why this matters globally
Low-Pt biomass upgrading could support a bioeconomy, but catalyst lifetime, metal recovery and continuous-process economics remain decisive.
Thai researcher contribution
A Chulalongkorn University team advances catalysis connecting biomass resources with higher-value chemicals.
Limitations to consider
Laboratory results omit reuse cycles, impurity tolerance, full mass balance and techno-economic or life-cycle assessment.