Efficient conversion of glycerol into 1,2-propanediol over Cu/SiO2 catalyst prepared through impregnation assisted with crown ether

Abstract

Abstract A highly efficient and stable Cu/SiO2 catalyst was prepared via 12-crown-4-ether (12C4)-assisted impregnation and used in the vapor-phase conversion of glycerol to 1,2-propanediol (propylene glycol, PG) via acetol formation in an ambient hydrogen flow. The 12C4-Cu/SiO2 catalyst gave a PG yield of >97% due to a low rate of C–C cleavage to generate ethylene glycol. Under optimum conditions, the high catalytic performance was maintained for 98 h of time on stream.