Development of a Kinetic Model for the Hydrogenolysis of Glycerol to Propylene Glycol by Using Ni/FAP Catalyst

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The rapid expansion of biodiesel production has led to an abundance of glycerol byproduct, necessitating efficient valorization into value added compounds such as 1,2‐propylene glycol, (1,2‐PG) and ethylene glycol (EG) by catalytic routes. In this study, a Ni/FAP catalyst was developed systematically and evaluated toward 1,2‐PG. The wet impregnation method was used for the synthesis of Ni/FAP with varying nickel content on the FAP support. Comprehensive physiochemical characterization was performed using XRD, SEM‐EDX, XPS, ICP‐MS, CO chemisorption, and Nitrogen adsorption‐desorption. Among the catalysts, 5% Ni/FAP provides optimal metal dispersion and accessible active sits, leading to moderate catalytic activity for glycerol hydrogenolysis reaction. To understand the reaction pathway and kinetics of the reaction, the Langmuir–Hinshelwood–Hougen–Watson (LHHW) model was developed. The activation energy of 81.5 kJ/mol estimates the kinetically controlled nature of the glycerol hydrogenolysis reaction.