Co/MgO catalysts for hydrogenolysis of glycerol to 1, 2-propanediol

Hydrogenolysis of glycerol to 1, 2-propanediol was investigated on bi-functional Co/MgO catalysts where the interaction between cobalt species and MgO was adjusted by varying the temperature of calcination. Higher temperature treatment not only enhanced the interaction between Co3O4 and MgO, but also promoted the formation of MgCo2O4 spinel and Mg–Co–O solid solution. Although the reducibility of cobalt oxides was greatly decreased in the Co3O4/MgO precursor, this strong interaction prevented the aggregation of Co particles in the resulting Co/MgO catalyst under the harsh reaction conditions, giving a much higher activity and stability. Results revealed that MgO was hydrated to Mg(OH)2 during the course of reaction and that the sizes of Mg(OH)2 and Co particles increased considerably, especially during the initial stage of the reaction.

Graphical abstractEnhanced interactions between Co and MgO effectively prevented aggregation of Co particles in the Co/MgO catalyst under the harsh reaction conditions of glycerol hydrogenolysis, showing a much higher activity and stability. Basic Mg(OH)2 particles formed by MgO hydration provided active sites for dehydrogenation of glycerol, while Co particles catalyzed hydrogenation of the reaction intermediates to 1, 2-propanediol.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (82 K)Download as PowerPoint slide