(28e) Selective Hydrogenolysis and Oxidation of Glycerol Over Supported Metal Catalysts in the Aqueous Phase

Glycerol is a byproduct of biodiesel synthesis and may be a viable feedstock for the production of chemicals. Moreover, glycerol is a model carbohydrate that can be used to probe the activity of potential catalysts for the conversion of biomass to useful products. Glycerol can be converted to propylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol and propanol by selective hydrogenolysis over a variety of supported catalysts and this work examines the structure and reactivity of Pt-Re bimetallic nanoparticles for the reaction. In addition, the important role of the solution phase in the catalytic selective oxidation of glycerol to glycerate over supported Au nanoparticles will also be discussed. Influences of catalyst composition and reaction medium on selective conversions of carbohydrates will be presented.