Catalytic materials for the hydrogenolysis of glycerol to 1,3-propanediol

Recent progress in catalyst development for glycerol hydrogenolysis into 1,3-propanediol is reviewed. Unmodified conventional catalysts produce 1,2-propanediol as the main product instead of 1,3-propanediol. Most effective catalysts use noble metal as a center for hydrogen activation and tungsten or rhenium as an additive. Pt-WO3 catalysts on Al-based supports and Ir-ReOx/SiO2 catalysts are especially effective in 1,3-propanediol production among the reported materials. Characterization results and proposed reaction mechanisms are also summarized.