Modified sepiolite supported nickel and tungsten oxide catalysts for glycerol hydrogenolysis to 1,2-propanediol with high selectivity under mild conditions

Modified sepiolite supported nickel and tungsten oxide catalysts were prepared for glycerol hydrogenolysis to 1,2-propanediol. The effects of nickel dispersion, the amount of WO3 and reaction conditions on catalytic performance were investigated. The Ni-7.5-WO3-1/MSEP catalyst gave the best result of 88.3% glycerol conversion and 96.8% selectivity to 1,2-propanediol under 2.0 MPa and 180 °C. A certain amount of tungsten oxide helps the nickel dispersion and improves the selectivity to 1,2-propanediol. Finally, a possible reaction mechanism was proposed.