Ce promoted Cu/γ-Al2O3 catalysts for the enhanced selectivity of 1,2-propanediol from catalytic hydrogenolysis of glucose

Ce promoted Cu/γ-Al2O3 catalysts were prepared with varying amounts of Cu (x = 0–10 wt%) and Ce (y = 0–15 wt%). The prepared catalysts were characterized and tested for the conversion of aqueous glucose (5 wt%) to 1,2-propanediol in a batch reactor. 10%Ce-8%Cu/γ-Al2O3 showed the complete conversion of glucose with 62.7% selectivity of 1,2-propanediol and total glycols (1,2-propanediol, ethylene glycol & 1,2-butanediol) of 81% at milder reaction conditions. Cu facilitated the hydrogenation activity and Ce loading optimize the acid/base sites of Cu/γ-Al2O3 which obtain high selectivity of 1, 2-propanediol. Catalyst reusability is reported.