Enhanced Ni/W/Ti Catalyst Stability from Ti–O–W Linkage for Effective Conversion of Cellulose into Ethylene Glycol

Abstract

Direct conversion of cellulose into ethylene glycol is a promising route for transforming sustainable biomass resources into high-value chemicals. Although numerous attempts have been made to exploit tungsten-based hydrogenolysis catalysts in the catalytic conversion of cellulose to ethylene glycol for high conversion rate and selectivity, maintaining catalyst stability remains challenging. Herein, we have developed a Ni–W/M catalyst with good catalytic performance and stability, which were obtained by calcining Ni–W/MIL-125(Ti) precursor. The synthesized catalyst showed good cellulose conversion rate (100%) and ethylene glycol yield (68.7%). The tungsten species was linked to the TiO2 support by Ti–O–W bonds to reduce loss of the active tungsten component. The formation of new bonds enhanced the catalyst stability and durability, enabling the catalysts to retain high catalytic activity during recycling.