Hydrogenolysis of glycerol to propanediols over Cu-MgO/USY catalyst

A series of acid-base bifunctional catalysts composed of USY with different Cu and MgO loadings were prepared, characterized, and tested for the hydrogenolysis of glycerol. The USY support retained the Y zeolite structure, and the introduction of MgO enhanced the dispersion of Cu in the support. At 200 °C, 3.5 MPa H2, 10 h and with a 6% 0.2Cu-MgO/USY catalyst, 83.6% conversion of glycerol with 40% selectivity to 1,2-propanediol (1,2-PDO) and 19.4% selectivity to 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PDO) was achieved.

Graphical AbstractWell dispersed Cu-MgO/USY catalysts have been prepared by the coprecipitation method and used in the hydrogenolysis of glycerol, which showed a relatively high activity and selectivity to propanediols.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide