Mediatory role of K, Cu and Mo over Ru/SiO2 catalysts for glycerol hydrogenolysis.

Abstract: SiO₂ supported ruthenium catalysts with and without modifiers were prepared, characterized and tested for glycerol hydrogenation. Addition of K, Cu and Mo affects the reducibility and acidity of the Ru/SiO₂ catalyst. Characterization data shows that Cu and Mo-modified Ru/SiO₂ have stronger acidity. On the contrary, K element on a passive effect on the acidity of Ru based catalyst had been observed. A comparison with the pure Ru/SiO₂ indicates the Cu-promoted specimen has better selective to the desired products, acetol, 1,2-propanediol and ethyl glycol, although the reactivity is slightly lower. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]