Aqueous phase hydrogenolysis of glucose to 1,2-propanediol over copper catalysts supported by sulfated spherical carbon

• Sulfation increases the acidity of carbon supported Cu catalysts.
• Cu content has an important effect on glucose hydrogenation activity.
• Cu and acid sites have synergetic effects on the selectivity of 1,2-propanediol.
• 5.0 wt.% Cu/s-AC catalyst has a maximum yield of 1,2-propanediol over 70%.

Aqueous phase hydrogenolysis of glucose was carried out over copper catalysts supported by sulfated spherical carbon for selective production of 1,2-propanediol. The sulfated carbon shows higher acidity by sulfation of its resin precursor than unsulfated or commercial ones. By changing copper loading, the hydrogenolysis capability and the acidity of catalysts were modified to suitable extents, which can optimize the selectivity to 1,2-propanediol. At a moderate copper loading, 5.0Cu/s-AC catalyst has the highest yield of 1,2-propanediol. This catalyst has a lifetime of over 300 h. However, its stability is required to be further improved.