Catalysts for glycerol hydrogenolysis to 1,3-propanediol: A review of chemical routes and market

Author(s)

Ruy, Alisson Dias da Silva ^{[1, 2]} ; Alves, Rita Maria de Brito ^[2] ; Hewer, Thiago Lewis Reis ^[2] ; Pontes, Danilo de Aguiar ^[1] ; Teixeira, Leonardo Sena Gomes ^[1] ; Magalhaes Pontes, Luiz Antonio ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed Bahia, Escola Politecn, Dept Engn Quim, Rua Prof Aristides Novis 2, 2nd Floor, BR-40210630 Salvador, BA - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Escola Politecn, Dept Engn Quim, Av Prof Luciano Gualberto 380, Tv 3, BR-05508010 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Review article
• Source: CATALYSIS TODAY; v. 381, n. SI, p. 243-253, DEC 1 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 7

Abstract

1,3-propanediol (1,3-PDO) is obtained from renewable and environmentally friendly glycerol. The current industrial production uses high cost genetically modified microorganisms. Researchers have studied heterogeneous catalysts for more efficient processes leading to higher competitiveness in the 1,3-PDO market. In this context, a review of studies involving chemical routes for its production was performed, evaluating process variables and, in particular, the influence of active acid and metallic phases on the activity and selectivity to the desired product. Platinum, iridium, and copper were verified to be the most promising metals. Bronsted sites are responsible for the higher selectivity to 1,3-PDO, while the reaction rate strongly depends on Lewis sites since glycerol adsorption takes place in these sites. Moreover, in order to decrease operating costs, important parameters such as temperature, glycerol concentration in the feed stream and the reactor type must be optimized. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/50279-4 - Brasil Research Centre for Gas Innovation
• Grantee: Julio Romano Meneghini
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research Centers in Engineering Program