Hydrogenolysis of biomass-derived sorbitol over La-promoted Ni/ZrO(2) catalysts

Ni/La(2)O(3)/ZrO(2) catalysts were prepared by a step-by-step impregnation method through regulation of the contents of the active component and alkali. The introduction of an alkaline promoter not only enhanced the alkalinity of the catalyst but also improved the dispersion of Ni on the catalyst owing to the strong interaction between Ni(2+) and alkali promoter. The synergistic effect between Ni and La(2)O(3) was beneficial to selective hydrogenolysis of sorbitol. Under the optimal reaction conditions, sorbitol conversion reached nearly 100% and target products (ethylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol, and glycerol) selectivity reached 74.8%. Metal–alkali coordination mechanism and possible pathways for target products formation were proposed.