Liquid-phase glycerol hydrogenolysis by formic acid over Ni-Cu/Al2O3 catalysts

► Glycerol hydrogenolysis over Ni-Cu/Al2O3, N2 pressure, and formic acid as H-donor. ► Ni-Cu alloy formation decreases C-C bond cleavage and increases 1,2-PDO selectivity. ► Acid sites and metal sites play a role in H-transfer from formic acid to glycerol. ► The OH groups of 1,2-PDO and glycerol compete for adsorption in the acid sites. ► A 90% glycerol conversion and 80% selectivity to 1,2-PDO were reported after 24 h.