(569dt) Hydrogenolysis of Glycerol to Propanediols over Platinum Modified Heteropoly Acids Catalysts

The conversion of glycerol, an abundant byproduct of biodiesel production, to value added chemicals, notably propanediols, presents a promising pathway to enhance the economic benefits stemming from the growing popularity of biodiesel. We focused on the hydrogenolysis of glycerol to propanediols over supported platinum modified heteropoly acid (Pt-HPA) catalysts. We explored the effects of synthesis methods and pre-treatment conditions on the catalyst’s performance. We achieved the optimized conversion of glycerol to propanediols under mild reaction conditions (0.5MPa H₂ and 180^oC). Our results highlighted the relationship of the selectivity to propanediols with the type and strength of surface acidity and the synergy between platinum and the support.