In order to efficiently produce gamma-valerolactone (GVL) from furfural, a Zr-graphitic carbon nitride/H-beta composite (Zr-CN/H-beta) had been simply prepared via an impregnation-calcination protocol. The morphology and structure, elemental information, and total acid and base properties of the Zr-CN/H-beta and related catalysts (H-beta, CN/H-beta, and Zr/H-beta) were determined by SEM, TEM, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and temperature-programmed desorption (TPD-NH3, CO2) characterizations. The effects of reaction temperature and time, and the furfural dosage on GVL production as well as the recyclability of Zr-CN/H-beta were investigated. With a catalyst/furfural dosage of 0.1/0.22 g, the Zr-CN/H-beta produced a remarkable 76.5% of GVL yield at 160 degrees C in 18 h using isopropanol as the solvent. The results of NH3, CO2-TPD experiments indicated that the simultaneous introduction of Zr species and carbon nitride onto H-beta formed new types of acid and base, which should be responsible for the high efficient conversion of furfural to GVL. Additionally, the recyclability of Zr-CN/H-beta was reasonable. (C) 2019 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.