Selective oxidation of glycerol in a base-free aqueous solution: A short review

Abstract

Catalytic transformation of glycerol to value-added products has attracted the attention of scientists all over the world. Among various transformations, selective oxidation of glycerol with molecular oxygen to dihydroxyacetone, glyceric acid, glyceraldehydes, and tartronic acid is challenging both from the viewpoint of academic research and industrial application. Herein, we review the recent progresses in the selective oxidation of glycerol under base-free conditions. Those catalysts widely reported for the selective oxidation of the terminal hydroxyl and secondary hydroxyl groups in glycerol, such as monometallic Au, Pt, and Pd NPs, and bimetallic Au-Pt, Au-Pd, Pt-Bi, Pt-Sb, and Pt-Cu, were compared and discussed in detail. The reaction mechanism over Pt-based catalysts, possible catalyst deactivation, and the corresponding improvements are presented. Further, the recent progresses in the continuous oxidation of glycerol in fixed bed reactors and its excellent selectivity in the formation of dihydroxyacetone are highlighted.