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In the catalytic transfer hydrogenation of biomass-derived ML into γ-GVL, we propose a one-step strategy for catalyst preparation and the CTH reaction. Using the strategy, the production of γ-GVL was performed with 2-PrOH as solvent over in situ reduced nano-Cu/AlOOH catalyst from Cu 2 (OH) 2 CO 3 /AlOOH. Meanwhile, the catalyst is heterogeneous and of high catalytic activity and stability due to the stability of the zero-valent copper in the catalyst and the nanosized catalyst. [Display omitted] • In situ reduction Cu/AlOOH catalystsefficiently participated in the CTH reaction from ML to γ-GVL with 2-PrOH as solvent. • In situ reduced Cu/AlOOH showed high catalytic activity and stability. • The excellent nature is attributed to the stability of the zero-valent copper and the nanosized particles of the catalyst. • The catalysts show general applicability to other carbonyl compounds. Catalytic transfer hydrogenation (CTH) of carbonyl compounds is considered as one of the most promising processes in the synthesis of fuels and chemicals. In this work, we propose a one-step strategy for catalyst preparation and CTH. Using the strategy, the production of γ-valerolactone (γ-GVL) was performed with isopropanol (2-PrOH) as solvent over in situ reduced nano-Cu/AlOOH catalyst from Cu 2 (OH) 2 CO 3 /AlOOH and the optimal reaction conditions for γ-GVL are 180 °C for 5 h using the in situ reduced catalyst with Cu/Al molar ratio 3/1 (90.51% yields of γ-GVL). Furthermore, it has been confirmed by different characterization methods (such as: SEM, TEM, XPS, etc.) that the catalyst is heterogeneous and exhibits high catalytic activity and stability which is attributed to the stability of the zero-valent copper in the catalyst and the nanosized particles of the catalyst. In addition, the catalysts also show general applicability to other carbonyl compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Zirconium ion-intercalated montmorillonite was synthesized by a facile method. • The amount of Lewis and Bronsted acids could be altered by changing the concentration of zirconium ions. • One-pot cascade conversion of FAL to GVL was achieved under mild conditions. • Over 99% furfural conversion and 50.4% GVL yield were attained. A series of ultrathin metal intercalated montmorillonite (Mont) nanosheet materials were prepared and characterized for the one-pot cascade conversion of furfural (FAL) to obtain γ-valerolactone (γ-GVL). The coordination of the intercalated metal ions and the hydroxyl groups between the montmorillonite layers leads to an increase in the specific surface area and pore volume of the material, which coupled with the acidity of the metal ions themselves improves the catalytic performance of the material. Thus Zr-Mont-0.1 exhibited optimal catalytic performance with 100% conversion of FAL and 50.4% yield of GVL under mild conditions, and more importantly, the catalyst maintained its good catalytic performance after the fourth use. Meanwhile the number of Lewis and Brønsted acid sites in the Zr-Mont catalyst can be varied by adjusting the zirconium ion concentration. The proposed reaction mechanism provides initial insights into the role of metal-functionalized montmorillonite in catalyzing the reaction. In addition, the ten-fold magnification reaction confirmed the potential industrial application of the catalyst. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]