Sorbitol hydrogenolysis to glycerol and glycols over M-MgO (M = Ni, Co, Cu) nanocomposite: A comparative study of active metals

The activities and selectivities of MgO-supported Ni, Cu, and Co catalysts have been compared in aqueous-phase hydrogenolysis of sorbitol to glycerol and glycols. All catalysts effectively catalyzed the sorbitol conversion into C2 and C3 polyols like glycerol, 1,2-propylene glycol, and ethylene glycol, but with different product distributions. The differences in activities and selectivities are ascribed to their different dehydrogenation/hydrogenation activities. The influences of base promoter, temperature, H2 pressure, and reaction time were also studied. Added base promoter and prolonged reaction time enhanced sorbitol conversion for the three catalysts, but led to product degradation and decreased selectivity over Ni-MgO and Co-MgO, whereas selectivity maintained almost unchanged over Cu-MgO.

Graphical AbstractNi-MgO, Co-MgO, and Cu-MgO bifunctional catalysts prepared by co-precipitation showed diverse activity and selectivity in sorbitol hydrogenolysis to glycerol (GL), 1,2-propylene glycol (PG), and ethylene glycol (EG) under various reaction conditions.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide