Insights into the Nature of the Active Sites of Pt-WOx/Al2O3 Catalysts for Glycerol Hydrogenolysis into 1,3-Propanediol

The chemo-selective hydrogenolysis of secondary hydroxyls is an important reaction for the production biomass-derived ?,?-diols. This case 1,3-propanediol from glycerol. Supported Pt-WOx materials are effective catalysts this transformation, and their activity often related to tungsten surface density Brönsted acidity, although there discrepancies in regard. In work, a series Pt-WOx/?-Al2O3 were prepared by modifying pH solutions used active metal impregnation step. activity–structure relationships, together with results addition situ titrants, i.e., 2,6-di-tert-butyl-pyridine or pyridine, helped elucidating nature bifunctional sites selective 1,3-propanediol.