Enhancement of the selectivity to dihydroxyacetone in glycerol oxidation using gold nanoparticles supported on carbon nanotubes

The use of multi-walled carbon nanotubes as support for Au nanoparticles results in the preferential chemoselective orientation of glycerol oxidation towards the reaction of the secondary alcohol function; a dihydroxyacetone selectivity of 60% was obtained in combination with a high activity, which is an interesting result reported here for the first time. On the other hand, an activated carbon supported gold catalyst, prepared under the same conditions, with similar metal loading and average particle size, promotes the formation of glyceric acid. This suggests the importance of support textural properties on the gold catalytic performance in glycerol selective oxidation.

The utilization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes instead of activated carbon as support for Au nanoparticles in catalytic glycerol oxidation results in a significant enhancement of dihydroxyacetone selectivity without loss of activity.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Au/AC and Au/MWCNT catalysts are similarly active for glycerol selective oxidation.
► Au/AC catalysts favor the oxidation of glycerol to glyceric acid.
► The Au/MWCNT catalyst tested promotes the formation of dihydroxyacetone (DIHA).
► The high DIHA selectivity is related to the textural properties of MWCNTs (wide mesopores).