Polyol hydrogenolysis on supported Pt catalysts: Comparison between glycerol and 1,2-propanediol

• Pt/TiO2 and Pt/S20 catalysts are synthesized and characterized.
• Performances are evaluated for glycerol and 1,2-propanediol aqueous phase reaction.
• Textural and structural modifications of catalysts occur during catalytic test.
• Metallic and acidic sites are involved in the selective CO cleavage of polyol.
• Glycerol is strongly adsorbed on the catalyst surface compared to 1,2-propanediol.

Pt-based catalysts supported on TiO2 and SIRAL 20 (Al2O3–20 wt.%SiO2) were prepared and characterized by H2 chemisorption, FTIR of adsorbed pyridine and 3,3-dimethyl-1-butene isomerization. The catalysts were evaluated for the transformation under aqueous phase of glycerol and 1,2-propanediol at 210 °C, under 60 bar as total pressure (H2 atmosphere). Under similar conditions, 1,2-propanediol is easier converted than glycerol, indicating that in the glycerol transformation process in aqueous phase, the 1,2-propanediol reactivity is inhibited by the presence of glycerol. This behavior is explained by a strong adsorption of glycerol compared to 1,2-propanediol on the catalyst surface.

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