Hydrogenolysis of bioglycerol to 1,2-propanediol over Ru/CeO2 catalysts: influence of CeO2 characteristics on catalytic performance

Hydrogenolysis of glycerol to 1,2-propanediol is an alternative route for efficient utilization of biomass-derived glycerol to value-added chemicals. In this study, catalytic hydrogenolysis of glycerol was systematically investigated over various Ru/CeO2 catalysts. CeO2-support was prepared by different methods and Ru deposition by wet impregnation method. Synthesized catalysts were characterized by various techniques, namely, XRD, XPS, TPR, TPD, and other. Hydrothermally synthesized CeO2-supported Ru catalyst showed relatively more number of acid sites with mild acid strength and exhibited highest conversion and product selectivity. Effect of various parameters including Ru loading, reaction temperature, and hydrogen pressure was evaluated and addressed.