Easily recycled CuMgFe catalysts derived from layered double hydroxides for hydrogenolysis of glycerol

Abstract

A series of CuMgFe catalysts with different (Cu + Mg)/Fe molar ratios derived from hydrotalcites were prepared by coprecipitation for the hydrogenolysis of glycerol to 1,2‐ propanediol (1,2‐PDO). X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), hydrogen temperature‐programmed reduction (H2–TPR), CO2‐TPD, and H2‐TPD (temperature‐programmed desorption of CO2 and H2) were used to investigate the physicochemical properties of the catalysts. The CuMgFe‐layered double oxides (CuMgFe‐4LDO) catalyst with (Cu + Mg)/Fe molar ratio of 4 exhibited superior activity and stability. The high glycerol conversion and 1,2‐propanediol selectivity over CuMgFe‐4LDO catalyst were attributed to its strong basicity, excellent H2 activation ability, and an increase in the surface Cu content. The CuMgFe catalysts could be easily recycled with the assistance of an external magnetic field due to their magnetism.