3D graphene aerogel anchored tungstophosphoric acid catalysts: Characterization and catalytic performance for levulinic acid esterification with ethanol

3D graphene aerogel (GA) was synthesized from graphene oxide (GO) using a hydrothermal procedure combined with freeze-drying. Then, they were used to assemble the supported H₃PW₁₂O₄₀ (HPW) catalysts. The optimization of the reaction parameters for levulinic acid esterification with ethanol was performed and the catalytic performance of the HPW/GA catalysts was comparatively investigated. The results showed that these catalysts had abundant porous structure. In particular, they were found to be efficient in the synthesis of ethyl levulinate, which is promising in reducing the consumption of petroleum-derived fossil fuels.