Hydrogenolysis of glycerol to 1,2-propanediol over various supported Cu catalysts

Supported Cu catalysts were prepared by wetness impregnation method and used in the hydrogenolysis of glycerol to l,2-propanediol. The catalysts were characterized by means of XRD, H₂-TPR and NH₃-TPD and the influence of temperature, pressure, reaction time and catalyst reusing on its catalytic activity in glycerol hydrogenolysis was investigated. The results showed that the catalytic activity is strongly dependent on the support and proper acidity is essential for the hydrogenolysis. 8Cu/γ-Al₂O₃ catalyst exhibits high activity and stability; after reaction over it for 6 h under the optimal reaction conditions of 513 K, 6 MPa, catalyst amount of 2.5%, with 10% glycerol aqueous solution as feed, the conversion of glycerol and the selectivity to 1,2-propanediol reach 88.4% and 86.2%, respectively.