Magnetically Recoverable Catalysts for Cellulose Conversion into Glycols

Abstract

In this paper Ru-containing magnetic catalyst on the basis of Fe₃O₄-SiO₂ nanoparticles was suggested for the conversion of cellulose into ethylene glycol (EG) and propylene glycol (PG). The use of this catalyst in the process of microcrystalline cellulose hydrogenolysis in subcritical water at 255 °? and hydrogen partial pressure 60 bar in 50 min allows PG and EG selectivities of 23 and 12 %, respectively, at 100 % conversion. The catalyst was stable under hydrothermal conditions of the process and is easily separated from the reaction mixture by means of the external magnetic field.