Crystal defects Boost cellulose conversion to C2 alcohols over Pd/WO3 catalysts

Converting cellulose into C 2 alcohols presents a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, contributing to the development of eco-friendly and economically viable biofuels and chemicals. Tungsten oxide (WO 3 ) is a key solid acid catalyst for this process, yet limited research explores its diverse morphologies and unique catalytic effects. This study investigates diverse WO 3 morphologies (nanosheets, nanoflowers, nanoblocks, and tetrahedral octahedra) in combination with Pd for converting cellulose to C 2 alcohols. Optimized conditions with Pd/o-WO 3 catalyst resulted in the highest C 2 alcohols (ethylene glycol and ethanol, 80.9 %), notably yielding 64.8 % ethylene glycol. Extensive characterizations and DFT calculations reveal the smaller element occupancy rates and a longer W-O bond length led to a large number of crystal defects over Pd/o-WO 3 . It facilitated the formation of W 5+ –OH sites and Pd-O(H)-W interactions, further synergistically enhancing hydrogenation ability and acidity. Designed experiments to elucidate cellulose conversion pathways, including hydrolysis, retro -aldol condensation, and hydrogenation. This study emphasizes the unique impact of WO 3 morphologies and underscores the importance of supporting crystal defects for catalytic performance in eco-friendly biofuel and chemical production.