Selective hydrogenolysis of glycerol to 1,3-propanediol over Pt-W based catalysts

The selective hydrogenolysis of glycerol to 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PDO) is an attractive reaction due to the high demand for valorization of huge excess amounts of glycerol supply as well as the important application of 1,3-PDO in polyester industry. Nevertheless, the formation of 1,3-PDO is thermodynamically less favorable than 1,2-PDO, which necessitates the development of efficient catalysts to manipulate the reaction kinetics towards the 1,3-PDO formation. Among others, Pt-W based catalysts have shown promising activities and selectivities of 1,3-PDO although the reaction mechanism is not well addressed at the molecular level. In this short review, we have compared the performances of different Pt-W based catalysts and discussed the key factors influencing the activity and selectivity. Three possible reaction mechanisms have been discussed in terms of the synergy between Pt and WOx and the origin of acid sites. Finally, the long-term stability of the Pt-W catalysts has been discussed. We hope this review will provide useful information for the development of more efficient catalysts for this important reaction. (c) 2020, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.