Catalytic conversion of sucrose to 1,2-propanediol over alumina-supported Ni-Mo bimetallic catalysts

Ni-Mo supported on gamma-Al2O3 catalysts were synthesized to test its catalytic activity towards sucrose to 1,2-propanediol (1,2-PDO) conversion. The catalyst system was characterized using various physicochemical methods, including XRD, BET, py-FTIR, XPS, FE-SEM, HR-TEM and ICP. The metal combination of 8%Ni-20%Mo/gamma-Al2O3 is found to be effective in producing a good yield of 1,2-propanediol (similar to 74%) under mild reaction conditions of 180 degrees C, 40 bar H-2 pressure and a run time of 4.5 h in a batch reaction. The activity of the active catalyst over various substrates such as cellulose, glucose, fructose and real-source biomass has also been investigated. XPS analysis of the active catalyst confirms the various oxidation states of the metals Ni and Mo in the active catalyst. The py-IR results show that the optimum Lewis to Bronsted acidic site ratio is responsible for the selective conversion of sucrose to 1,2-PDO. The presence of interparticle mesopores on gamma-Al2O3 helps in the high conversion of sucrose. Furthermore, the catalyst has been found reusable for four consecutive runs without any structural or morphological changes.

Automated summary

Ni-Mo supported on gamma-Al2O3 catalysts showed good catalytic activity for the conversion of sucrose to 1,2-propanediol. The combination of 8%Ni-20%Mo/gamma-Al2O3 produced a high yield of 1,2-propanediol under mild reaction conditions. The catalyst was also found to be active for various substrates. XPS analysis confirmed the different oxidation states of Ni and Mo in the active catalyst.