Iron-modified Cu/γ-alumina catalyst for the selective hydrogenolysis of glycerol

Abstract

This study introduces a novel Cu-based catalyst for the selective hydrogenolysis of glycerol to 1,2-propanediol, synthesized by impregnating mesoporous γ-alumina with Cu and Fe. Characterization was performed using various analytical methods, and tests were conducted in a tubular continuous reactor under specific conditions. Iron was found to have multiple modifying effects, influencing the modification of Cu clusters on the catalyst surface and the radial Cu concentration profile inside the particles. A low Fe/Cu ratio resulted in an almost egg-shell Cu profile, whereas higher Fe levels produced a more uniform distribution. Interestingly, minor Fe additions led to larger Cu clusters, while higher amounts resulted in smaller clusters and decreased glycerol conversion. The effect of Fe on Cu clusters size, acid sites concentration, and Cu radial profile, as well as the influence of these parameters on the glycerol conversion and selectivity towards 1,2-PD are discussed in this study.