Chemoselective hydrogenolysis of glycerol catalyzed by platinum on carbonaceous supports

Highly dispersed Pt-nanoparticles supported onto carbonaceous materials, which are characterized by their surface area, were employed to catalyze the hydrogenolysis of glycerol in water. The surface area of the support proved to steer the aggregation process of the nanoparticles with time, consequently influencing the catalyst performance in terms of glycerol conversion, reforming activity and chemoselctivity versus 1,2-propandiol, which was the main liquid product. The support with the highest surface area showed the best control on the nanoparticles' aggregation.