Production of 1,3-Propanediol by Catalytic Hydrogenolysis of Glycerol

The market for 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PDO) is growing rapidly due to its expanding uses in the polymer material industry. Catalytic hydrogenolysis of glycerol is a promising new way to produce 1,3-PDO sustainably. This paper reviews the recent advances in studies on heterogeneous catalysts for the selective hydrogenolysis of glycerol to 1,3-PDO. The main employed metal catalysts include platinum, copper, rhodium and iridium. With the intent to give a rationally guide to the development of new catalysts in future research, the catalysts performances are summarized and discussed with reaction mechanisms.