Ottimizzazione di catalizzatori compositi a base di Aquivion PFSA e zirconia per la valorizzazione di furfuril alcol a GVL

The objective of the experimental thesis work is to study Aquivion and zirconia-based composite catalysts for furfural and furfuryl alcohol valorization to GVL. Aquivion is a perfluorosulphonic resin with superacidic properties, used to synthetize new composite materials through spray-freeze-drying technique. The work has been carried out in different steps, including the synthesis and characterization of zirconia and the catalysts, followed by the study of their catalytic activity. Moreover, reaction parameters have been changed, recording variations in the system and focusing on the acidity of single components and the ratio between them in the final material. Further studies enhanced the clarification of the reaction mechanism and its optimization, through the modulation of calcination temperature, reaction temperature and time.