Efficient and Stable Synthesis of Butyrolactone from Biomass Derived 1,4‐ButaneDiol Dehydrogenation over Cu Supported on MgAl ₂ O ₄ with Textural Properties

Abstract Copper based catalysts have gained significant attention due to the exceptional reactivity of Cu species in breaking OH and C─H bonds through oxidation, as well as their cost‐effectiveness. Herein, a series of Cu‐based MgAl 2 O 4 catalysts with high dispersed Cu‐based spinel oxide particles were synthesized by the impregnation method and tested for catalytic dehydrogenation of 1,4‐Butanediol to gamma butyrolactone. The 15 MgAl 2 O 4 catalysts confirmed the highest activity and the maximum stability among all catalysts. Under moderate reaction conditions, a 1,4‐Butanediol conversion of 98% with a gamma butyrolactone selectivity of 99% were achieved on the 15 MgAl 2 O 4 catalysts. XRD, H 2 ‐TPR, TPD, BET, FT‐IR, and N 2 O pulse characterization exposed that the catalyst prepared by the impregnation method could be ascribed to the smallest Cu particle size, high dispersion, proper surface acid‐base sites and the weak metal‐support interaction, leading to the highest performance.