Polyol hydrogenolysis on supported Pt catalysts: Comparison between glycerol and 1,2-propanediol

Pt-based catalysts supported on TiO2 and SIRAL 20 (Al2O3–20wt.%SiO2) were prepared and characterized by H2 chemisorption, FTIR of adsorbed pyridine and 3,3-dimethyl-1-butene isomerization. The catalysts were evaluated for the transformation under aqueous phase of glycerol and 1,2-propanediol at 210°C, under 60bar as total pressure (H2 atmosphere). Under similar conditions, 1,2-propanediol is easier converted than glycerol, indicating that in the glycerol transformation process in aqueous phase, the 1,2-propanediol reactivity is inhibited by the presence of glycerol. This behavior is explained by a strong adsorption of glycerol compared to 1,2-propanediol on the catalyst surface.