Conversion of glycerol into lactic acid using Pd or Pt supported on carbon as catalyst

• Published in: Catalysis today 2017-01, Vol.279, p.317-326
• Main Authors: Arcanjo, Mª Rosiene A., Silva, Ivanildo J., Rodríguez-Castellón, Enrique, Infantes-Molina, Antonia, Vieira, Rodrigo S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acid lactic; Activated carbon; Glycerol conversion; Pd and Pt metals
• ISSN: 0920-5861; 1873-4308
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cattod.2016.02.015

[Display omitted] •Pd/C and Pt/C catalysts were investigated for lactic acid production from glycerol.•Pd and Pt were effectively impregnated on carbon surface.•High Lactic acid yield (∼74%) from glycerol was obtained using Pd/C and Pt/C.•The catalysts presented stability for 5 cycles, without leaching rate. The oxidation of glycerol into lactic acid using activated carbon with Pd or Pt as heterogeneous catalysts was study. Several reaction parameters were evaluated: catalyst loading, catalyst weight, NaOH/glycerol molar ratio, temperature and reaction time. The textural and structural properties of the carbon supported catalysts (fresh and spent) were evaluated by N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms at −196°C, XRD, SEM, EDX, TEM and XPS. It was possible to achieve a glycerol conversion of about 99% with selectivity to lactic acid of 68% and 74% using 10% Pd/C and 5% Pt/C as catalysts, respectively, at 230°C of reaction temperature. Moreover, Pd/C and Pt/C catalysts were used in five reaction cycles without significant loss of activity, highlighting the great stability of the prepared catalysts.