Transformation of glycerol over LaX0.1Ni0.9O3 perovskite catalysts (X=Cu and/or Sr) for sustainable production of bio-based chemicals using pure and aqueous glycerol feeds as raw materials

LaCu₀.₁Ni₀.₉O₃ perovskite catalyst has demonstrated excellent catalytic performance for 1,2-propanediol and lactic acid production from pure glycerol. However, its activity declined in the presence of water, attributed to competitive adsorption between glycerol and water on the catalyst surface. To tackle such a problem, small amounts of Sr were incorporated into LaNiO₃ and LaCu₀.₁Ni₀.₉O₃-based perovskite catalysts, forming LaX₀.₁Ni₀.₉O₃ (X = Cu and/or Sr), in order to investigate the effects of Sr, with and without Cu co-existence, on aqueous glycerol transformation. Sr incorporation positively enhanced and retained catalytic activity by providing hydrophilic sites for water adsorption and activation. Furthermore, Sr influenced product selectivity depending on Cu presence: lactic acid formation was dominant over LaSr₀.₁Ni₀.₉O₃, while 1,2-propanediol and acetone formation were favored over LaSr₀.₀₁Cu₀.₀₉Ni₀.₉O₃. These findings highlight Sr as an effective promoter for improving glycerol conversion under aqueous conditions.