Enhanced Catalytic Conversion of Disaccharides to Propylene Glycol Using Metal-Supported Graphitic Carbon Nitride

Propylene glycol (or) 1,2-propanediol (1,2-PD) is an important polyol widely used for pharmaceuticals, polyester resins, paints, cosmetics, antifreeze, etc. Sucrose has emerged as a promising feedstock to produce 1,2-PD, as indicated by recent research findings. Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄/gCN) was synthesized by using different crucibles. Ni–Mo was loaded on different g-C₃N₄ supports via the wetness impregnation method for sucrose hydrogenolysis. Effects of different g-C₃N₄ supports were studied. Catalysts with varying Ni (x = 0–8 wt %) and Mo (y = 0–15 wt %) contents were characterized using XRD, BET, XPS, FE-SEM, Py-FTIR, HR-TEM, TPD (CO₂)and Raman spectroscopy. An attempt was made on sucrose conversion into 1,2-PD using a Ni–Mo/g-C₃N₄ catalyst. The catalyst containing 8% Ni and 10% Mo on Gr-gCN exhibited the best performance, achieving complete sucrose conversion with a 76% yield of 1,2-PD under mild reaction conditions. The presence of highly dispersed nanoparticles and the nature of graphitic carbon nitride help improve the reactions’ yield by allowing reactions at lower temperatures, reducing the occurrence of side reactions, and increasing recycling rates. A straightforward approach to material preparation, coupled with the exceptional dispersion of metal nanoparticles, paves the way for a novel platform for biomass conversion.