Co/MgO catalysts for hydrogenolysis of glycerol to 1, 2-propanediol

Abstract

Hydrogenolysis of glycerol to 1, 2-propanediol was investigated on bi-functional Co/MgO catalysts where the interaction between cobalt species and MgO was adjusted by varying the temperature of calcination. Higher temperature treatment not only enhanced the interaction between Co 3O 4 and MgO, but also promoted the formation of MgCo 2O 4 spinel and Mg–Co–O solid solution. Although the reducibility of cobalt oxides was greatly decreased in the Co 3O 4/MgO precursor, this strong interaction prevented the aggregation of Co particles in the resulting Co/MgO catalyst under the harsh reaction conditions, giving a much higher activity and stability. Results revealed that MgO was hydrated to Mg(OH) 2 during the course of reaction and that the sizes of Mg(OH) 2 and Co particles increased considerably, especially during the initial stage of the reaction.