Manipulating the interfacial integration mode of a bio-templated porous ZSM-5 platform with an Au/CuZnOx catalyst for enhanced efficiency and recycling stability in glycerol conversion to 1,3-dihydroxyacetone†

Despite the potential to significantly enhance the economic viability of biomass-based platforms through the selective conversion of glycerol to 1,3-dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a formidable challenge persists in simultaneously achieving high catalytic activity and stability along this reaction pathway. Herein, we have devised a strategic approach to manipulate the interfacial integration within composite catalysts to address the performance trade-off. Through the modulation of the composite process involving a bio-templated porous ZSM-5 zeolite platform (bZ) and an Au/CuZnO_x catalyst, three distinct interfacial bonding modes were achieved: physical milling, encapsulation by zeolite, and in situ growth on zeolite. The catalyst prepared via the physical milling mode (denoted as Au/CuZnO_x@bZ) demonstrated remarkable catalytic efficiency with a glycerol conversion rate of 93% and a DHA selectivity of 86%. In particular, Au/CuZnO_x@bZ maintained over 72% of glycerol conversion and DHA selectivity even after five cycles, exhibiting superior stability that surpasses the majority of current catalysts. The differences in interfacial integration modes play a crucial role in regulating the surface Au⁺ content and the reduction temperatures of the catalysts and minimizing Au nanoparticle agglomeration during cycling, as confirmed by comprehensive characterization and experimental analyses.