Selective Hydrogenolysis of Glycerol to 1,2‐Propanediol over Co‐Al2O3 Catalysts in Batch and Continuous Reactors

Abstract

AbstractIn this work, Co‐Al2O3 catalysts were evaluated for hydrogenolysis of glycerol to 1,2‐propanediol (1,2‐PDO) in batch and continuous reactors. Among the catalysts tested, the 30Co‐Al2O3 catalyst exhibited the best catalytic activity with good stability in the continuous reactor, attributable to the high acidity and Co dispersion. Furthermore, the experimental results indicated that better catalytic performance in terms of 1,2‐PDO selectivity was attained for the reaction performed in the continuous reactor. In comparison to the batch reactor, in situ reduction of the catalyst, shorter contact time between the reactants and the catalyst, and the presence of gas‐phase operation in the continuous reactor were responsible for the high activity for glycerol hydrogenolysis.