Hydrogenolysis of sorbitol over Ni, Pt and Ru supported on SBA-15

226-231Hydrogenolysis of sorbitol (15% aqueous solution) has been carried out in a batch reactor over Ni (6 wt%), Pt (1 wt%) and Ru (1 wt%) supported on SBA-15 and carbon coated SBA-15 (SBA-15(C)). For comparison, the three metals have also been supported on activated carbon (AC). The catalysts are characterized by XRD, N2 and H2 adsorption measurements. Addition of Ca(OH)2 to the reaction mixture increases conversion and selectivity for the dihydroxy compounds, 1,2-propanediol (PD) and ethylene glycol (EG). Based on yield of dihydric alcohols (PD+EG), the performance of the catalysts at 220 °C and 60 bar in the presence of Ca(OH)2 is in the order: Ru-AC ~ Ru-SBA-15(C) > Ru-SBA-15 ~ Ni-SBA-15, the yields being 40, 39, 31 and 29 wt%, respectively