Highly stable Ru nanoparticles incorporated in mesoporous carbon catalysts for production of γ-valerolactone

•Ruthenium nanoparticles incorporated in mesoporous carbon are reported for production of γ-valerolactone.•The incorporated catalysts demonstrate excellent reusability and thermal stability.•Leaching can be minimised by tailoring the mesoporous structure.•The mechanism of high reusability and thermal stability for incorporated ruthenium catalysts are studied.