Ni/La2O2CO3 catalysts with different Ni/La ratios were prepared by co-precipitation and the performance was tested in selective hydrogenolysis of sorbitol to C2—C3 polyols. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction(XRD)
H2 temperature-programmed reduction(H2-TPR)
CO2 temperature-programmed desorption(CO2-TPD) and scanning electron microscopy(SEM). The effect of hydrogenation and base regulation was investigated by varying the Ni/La ratios. The result shows that the conversion of sorbitol was 98.6% and the yields of C2—C3 polyols was 43.8% when the mole ratio of Ni to La is 2:3. After two times of reaction
the catalyst still achieved a sorbitol conversion of 90%. From acidic to alkaline
the products distribution of hydrogenolysis of sorbitol was discussed. The reaction pathway was also proposed based on the experiment results.