Recent Advances in Catalytic Systems for the Sustainable Synthesis of Ethyl Levulinate from Biomass

Authors

  • Mhd. Shaumi Al Anshar Universitas Diponegoro
  • Luqman Buchori Universitas Diponegoro
  • Didi Dwi Anggoro Universitas Diponegoro
  • Setia Budi Sasongko Universitas Diponegoro
  • Istadi Universitas Diponegoro

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26877/npm30w47

Keywords:

Biofuel Additive, Esterification, Ethyl Levulinate, Green Catalysis, Process Intensification

Abstract

The esterification of levulinic acid to ethyl levulinate presents challenges in catalyst efficiency, reusability, and environmentally friendly process design, restricting commercial scalability.  This study examines recent studies on diverse catalysts, including Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES), homogeneous and heterogeneous systems, and their effects on yield.  DES is positioned as a more sustainable option, with yields as high as 99.8%, quicker reaction times, and a lower environmental effect.  While heterogeneous catalysts require harsher conditions and have reusability difficulties, DES provides a greener and more efficient alternative to produce ethyl levulinate.  Life cycle assessments (LCA) of DES procedures reveal reductions in energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions of up to 69.72%.  Future research should focus on improving DES recovery and scalability for industrial applications.  This effort supports the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Author Biographies

  • Mhd. Shaumi Al Anshar, Universitas Diponegoro

    Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Diponegoro, Jl. Prof. Jacub Rais Semarang 50275, Central Java, Indonesia

  • Luqman Buchori, Universitas Diponegoro

    Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Diponegoro, Jl. Prof. Jacub Rais Semarang 50275, Central Java, Indonesia

  • Didi Dwi Anggoro, Universitas Diponegoro

    Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Diponegoro, Jl. Prof. Jacub Rais Semarang 50275, Central Java, Indonesia

  • Setia Budi Sasongko, Universitas Diponegoro

    Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Diponegoro, Jl. Prof. Jacub Rais Semarang 50275, Central Java, Indonesia

  • Istadi, Universitas Diponegoro

    Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Diponegoro, Jl. Prof. Jacub Rais Semarang 50275, Central Java, Indonesia

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Published

2025-07-24

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Vol. 7 No. 3 (2025): May - July

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