Template Preparation of Highly Active and Selective Cu–Cr Catalysts with High Surface Area for Glycerol Hydrogenolysis

Abstract

High surface area Cu–Cr catalysts had been prepared via a facile carbon template route, and characterized by N2 physisorption, temperature-programmed reduction, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The catalytic properties of the nanostructured Cu–Cr catalysts were evaluated by glycerol hydrogenolysis. The results show that the specific surface area of the obtained Cu–Cr catalyst can reach above 50 m2/g, while those of CuO and Cr2O3 are about 10 and 50 m2/g, respectively. The surface areas of Cu–Cr catalysts can be controlled by carbon template, Cu/Cr molar ratio, and treatment atmosphere and final temperature. The reduced Cu–Cr catalysts show significant catalytic activity and selectivity in glycerol hydrogenolysis, i.e. above 51% conversion of glycerol and above 96% selectivity to 1,2-propanediol in 4.15 MPa H2 at 210 °C. The Cu–Cr catalysts with low Cu/Cr molar ratio present high conversion of glycerol, which is different from the conventional copper-chromite catalyst.