ISIS Neutron and Muon Source Data Journal
This is a page describing data taken during an experiment at the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source. Information about the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source can be found at https://www.isis.stfc.ac.uk.
Molecular Interaction of Levulinic Acid with Ni/Silica Catalysts
Abstract: The increasing impact of fossil fuel consumption on climate change has highlighted the urgent need for sustainable energy alternatives, including converting biomass into valuable chemicals. Levulinic acid (LA), a platform chemical derived from lignocellulosic biomass, is a key precursor for producing biofuels and chemicals like levulinate esters, valeric acid esters, and ?-valerolactone (GVL). Nickel-supported catalysts have shown great promise in LA conversion due to nickel's cost-effectiveness and catalytic activity in hydrogenation reactions. In this study, silica and mesoporous silica derived from geothermal sludge are utilized as supports for nickel catalysts, offering both sustainable waste valorization and enhanced catalyst performance. To gain a deeper understanding of the catalytic conversion process, we propose using Inelastic Neutron Scattering (INS) to investigate molecular interactions between LA and the catalyst. By examining changes in vibrational spectra, particularly those associated with the C=O stretching of LA and Ni-H bond formation, this study aims to optimize catalyst composition and improve reaction efficiency. These molecular insights are crucial for advancing the development of highly efficient and selective catalysts.
Principal Investigator: Ms Muflikhah Muflikhah
Local Contact: Dr Hamish Cavaye
Experimenter: Professor Stewart Parker
Experimenter: Dr Indri Badria Adilina
Experimenter: Mr Andreas Federico
Experimenter: Mrs Arum Patriati
Experimenter: Mrs Airine Handayani
DOI: 10.5286/ISIS.E.RB2510423
ISIS Experiment Number: RB2510423
| Part DOI | Instrument | Public release date | Download Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10.5286/ISIS.E.RB2510423-1 | TOSCA | 31 July 2028 | Download |
Publisher: STFC ISIS Neutron and Muon Source
Data format: RAW/Nexus
Select the data format above to find
out more about it.
Data Citation
The recommended format for citing this dataset in a research
publication is as:
[author], [date], [title], [publisher],
[doi]
For Example:
Ms Muflikhah Muflikhah et al; (2025): Molecular Interaction of Levulinic Acid with Ni/Silica Catalysts, STFC ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, https://doi.org/10.5286/ISIS.E.RB2510423
Data is released under the CC-BY-4.0 license.
