BACKGROUND: Glycerol hydrodeoxygenation to 1,2-propanediol is a reaction of commercial and environmental significance. However, the need for hydrogen supply is a main drawback of the process. This study aims at the development of effective catalysts for glycerol hydrodeoxygenation with in situ H 2 formed. Pt/Al 2 O 3 and Pt/Fe 2 O 3 -Al 2 O 3 catalysts with different Fe/Pt ratios were synthesized and evaluated. N 2 physisorption, XRD, TPR-H 2 , TGA and DRIFTS-CO characterization techniques were used. Main focus was given on catalyst reusability, while a parametric study was also performed.
RESULTS: Fe addition promotes catalysts activity. Characterization showed that there is an electron interaction between Pt andFe which is responsible for this enhancement. However, Fe/Pt ratio and reduction temperature affect catalyst performance. The increase of Fe loading leads to lower H 2 formation rates but also to more stable catalyst performance. The most promising results were achieved over the Fe richer catalyst which exhibited 51.5% 1,2-propanediol selectivity, 93.8% glycerol conversion, under 3.5 MPa N 2 , at 250 ∘ C, 1 h and pre-reduction at 200 ∘ C.
CONCLUSION:The presence of Fe in Pt/Al 2 O 3 catalysts was proved decisive for the combined cycle of glycerol hydrodeoxygenation-aqueous phase reforming. The high activity and the stable performance in aqueous medium may render these materials as suitable catalysts for various liquid phase hydrodeoxygenation reactions.