(4ox) Nickel-Tin Nanoalloy on ZnO Catalysts from Mixed-Metal Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks for Selective Conversion of Glycerol to 1,2-Propanediol

The development of efficient synthesis methods for heterogeneous multimetallic nanoalloy catalysts is revolutionizing the valorization of biomass resources. These alloys are renowned for their stability in harsh chemical environments, catalytic versatility, and diverse applications spanning electrocatalytic, photocatalytic, and thermo-catalytic conversions. In this presentation, we illuminate recent progress in synthesis methods, characterization techniques, and applications of multi-metallic nanoalloy catalysts. We highlight the synthesis of Ni1.5Sn nanoalloy phases catalysts with small particle sizes (6.5 nm) from mixed-metal zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (MM-ZIFs). The prepared catalysts were evaluated for the efficient production of 1,2-propanediol (1,2-PDO) from crude glycerol and comprehensively characterized using various analytical techniques such as XRD, XPS, EXAFS, and HR-TEM. Among these catalysts, 3Ni1Sn/ZnO (Ni/Sn = 3/1) exhibited the best catalytic performance, yielding 94.2% of 1,2-PDO at ~100% conversion of glycerol. Furthermore, we elucidate the stepwise demonstration of the synergy between these multi-metallic nanoalloys and their pivotal role in the high activity and selectivity of the catalyst. We propose that the synthetic protocol utilizing MM-ZIFs for the conversion of various biomass-derived platform chemicals into valuable products can be adapted for diverse nanoalloy preparations.

Research Interests: Catalysis, Biomass, Biorefinery, Glycerol, Materials, MOF