Mediatory role of K, Cu and Mo over Ru/SiO2 catalysts for glycerol hydrogenolysis

SiO2 supported ruthenium catalysts with and without modifiers were prepared, characterized and tested for glycerol hydrogenation. Addition of K, Cu and Mo affects the reducibility and acidity of the Ru/SiO2 catalyst. Characterization data shows that Cu and Mo-modified Ru/SiO2 have stronger acidity. On the contrary, K element on a passive effect on the acidity of Ru based catalyst had been observed. A comparison with the pure Ru/SiO2 indicates the Cu-promoted specimen has better selective to the desired products, acetol, 1,2-propanediol and ethyl glycol, although the reactivity is slightly lower.