Tuning selectivity of Pt/CaCO3 in glycerol hydrogenolysis — A Design of Experiments approach

19 commercially available catalysts have been effectively screened in only 30 experiments for the hydrogenolysis of glycerol using a D-optimal design. Pt/CaCO3 emerged as both an active and selective catalyst and was studied in greater detail using a Central Composite Design. Upon addition of boric acid, the Pt/CaCO3 product selectivity could be changed from 1,2-propanediol towards lactic acid. The formation of 1,2-propanediol and lactic acid could be optimized by considering the Response Surface Model plots and formation pathways.

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► 19 catalysts were efficiently screened in only 30 reactions.
► Pt/CaCO3 could form either lactic acid or 1,2-propanediol from glycerol.
► Effect of temperature, pH and boric acid was elucidated using CCD.
► Boric acid suppresses degradation of glycerol.