Preparation of a Cu–Ru/carbon nanotube catalyst for hydrogenolysis of glycerol to 1,2-propanediol via hydrogen spillover

Abstract

A Cu-Ru nanoparticle catalyst supported on carbon nanotubes was prepared by a chemical replacement reaction between Cu metal nanoparticles and Ru 3+ cations. The as-prepared catalyst was characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, H 2 and CO chemisorption, and transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that the highly dispersed Ru clusters were present on the external surface of the Cu particles. These tiny Ru clusters did not activate glycerol to carry its hydrogenolysis, but instead activated and generated active hydrogen, which was transferred to the Cu surface nearby via hydrogen spillover. The Cu-Ru catalyst exhibited selectivity for 1,2-propanediol that was as high as Cu metal, and much higher hydrogenolysis activity than pure Cu metal because of the hydrogen spillover effect, which benefited from the Ru clusters.

Improved Utilization of Crude Glycerol By-Product from Biodiesel Production

“…Marinoiu et al (2009) conducted the hydrogenolysis process with nickel catalyst which resulted in up to 98% 1,2-propanediol selectivity and 30% glycerol conversion in moderate temperature and pressures (200 o C and 20-25 bar, respectively). Recently, Wu et al (2011) reported hydrogenolysis of glycerol to 1,2-propanediol via hydrogen spillover by using Cu-Ru nanoparticle catalyst supported on nanotubes. Another propanediol with numerous applicatons is 1,3-propanediol.…”

Synthesis of 1,2-propanediol through glycerol hydrogenolysis on Cu–Al mixed oxides

“…The catalyst was acidic in nature as the presence of Lewis acid sites promoted the glycerol dehydration through acetol intermediate. The conversion and selectivity achieved with this catalyst were higher when compared to CuRu/C as previously reported [18] that yielded some amount of propanol, ethylene glycol, ethanol, methanol, and even CH 4 because of the high activity of Ru catalysts to C-C and C-O bond cleavage.…”

Catalytic Technologies for Biodiesel Fuel Production and Utilization of Glycerol: A Review

“…Wu et al reported the synthesis of 1,2-propanediol from hydrogenolysis of glycerol over a Cu-Ru/carbon nanotube catalyst [120]. The conversions of glycerol and selectivity for the formation of 1,2-propanediol were 99.8% and 86.5%, respectively.…”