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The need for more sustainable products and processes has led to the use of new methodologies with low carbon footprints. In this work, an efficient tandem process is demonstrated for the liquid‐phase catalytic upgrading of lignocellulosic biomass‐derived γ‐valerolactone (GVL) with trioxane (Tx) to α‐methylene‐γ‐valerolactone (MeGVL) in flow system using Cs‐loaded hierarchical beta zeolites. The introduction of mesopores along with the presence of basic sites of mild strength leads to MeGVL productivity 20 times higher than with the bulk beta zeolite, reaching 0.325 mmol min−1 gcat−1 for the best‐performing catalyst, the highest value reported so far. This catalyst proves stable upon reuse in consecutive cycles, which is ascribed to the partial depletion of the basic sites. The obtained MeGVL is subjected to visible‐light‐induced polymerization, resulting in a final material with similar properties to the widely used poly(methyl) methacrylate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Without techniques sensitive to complex pore architectures, synthetic efforts to enhance molecular transport in zeolite and other porous materials through hierarchical structuring lack descriptors for their rational design. The power of positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) to characterize the pore connectivity in hierarchical MFI zeolites is demonstrated, establishing a direct link with the enhanced catalyst lifetime in the conversion of methanol to valuable hydrocarbons. The unique ability to capture subtleties of the hierarchical structure originates from the dynamic nature of the ortho-positronium response to the pore network. The findings reveal the strong dependence on the way in which the hierarchical zeolites are manufactured, having direct implications for the practical realization of these advanced catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wax on, wax off: Bifunctional cobalt‐based catalysts on zeolite supports are applied for the valorization of biosyngas through Fischer‐Tropsch chemistry. By using these catalysts, waxes can be hydrocracked to shorter‐chain hydrocarbons, increasing the selectivity towards the C5–C11 (gasoline) fraction. The zeolite topology and the amount and strength of acid sites are key parameters to maximize the performance of these bifunctional catalysts, steering Fischer‐Tropsch product selectivity towards liquid hydrocarbons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Last site standing: A new gENeration of hierarchical Pt/H ‐ ZSM ‐ 22 zeolites is designed for the efficiENt processing of upcoming rENewable feedstocks. The ENhanced accessibility of the active sites is vital for the superior activity and exceptional selectivity in the hydroisomerization of model molecules such as nonadecane and pristane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights from the article: Cover Feature: Sustainable Continuous Flow Valorization of -Valerolactone with Trioxane to -Methylene- -Valerolactone over Basic Beta Zeolites (ChemSusChem 12/2019) B The Front Cover b shows a sustainable continuous-flow process for upgrading lignocellulosic-biomass-derived -valerolactone to -methylene- -valerolactone by utilizing a tailored Cs-loaded hierarchical beta catalyst. Heterogeneous catalysis, sustainable chemistry, biomass, zeolites, flow chemistry.