The design and development of novel catalysts for chemical synthesis is incredibly important from both academic and industrial perspectives. Approximately 90 % of all commercial chemical processes invoke the use of a catalyst, which can be utilized to reduce the energy demands and waste generated. Transfer hydrogenation reactions are a fantastic example of how modern catalyst design can be used to improve atomic efficiency in chemical synthesis. We have developed a highly efficient novel heterogeneous catalyst which is highly active and selective for the production of a biofuel (gamma-valerolactone) from a biomass feedstock (methyl levulinate) via transfer hydrogenation. With the use of the facilities at ISIS, we hope to gain a greater understanding of why this material is such a good catalyst for this reaction and hope this work will act as a foundation for future research in this area.