Preparation of a Cu–Ru/carbon nanotubecatalyst for hydrogenolysis of glycerol to 1,2-propanediolviahydrogen spillover

Abstract

A Cu–Ru nanoparticle catalyst supported on carbon nanotubes was prepared by a chemical replacement reaction between Cu metal nanoparticles and Ru³⁺ cations. The as-prepared catalyst was characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, H₂ and CO chemisorption, and transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that the highly dispersed Ru clusters were present on the external surface of the Cu particles. These tiny Ru clusters did not activate glycerol to carry its hydrogenolysis, but instead activated and generated active hydrogen, which was transferred to the Cu surface nearby viahydrogen spillover. The Cu–Ru catalyst exhibited selectivity for 1,2-propanediol that was as high as Cu metal, and much higher hydrogenolysis activity than pure Cu metal because of the hydrogen spillover effect, which benefited from the Ru clusters.