Abstract: The selective hydrogenolysis of glycerol to 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PDO) is an attractive reaction due to the high demand for valorization of huge excess amounts of glycerol supply as well as the important application of 1,3-PDO in polyester industry. Nevertheless, the formation of 1,3-PDO is thermodynamically less favorable than 1,2-PDO, which necessitates the development of efficient catalysts to manipulate the reaction kinetics towards the 1,3-PDO formation. Among others, Pt-W based catalysts have shown promising activities and selectivities of 1,3-PDO although the reaction mechanism is not well addressed at the molecular level. In this short review, we have compared the performances of different Pt-W based catalysts and discussed the key factors influencing the activity and selectivity. Three possible reaction mechanisms have been discussed in terms of the synergy between Pt and WO_x and the origin of acid sites. Finally, the long-term stability of the Pt-W catalysts has been discussed. We hope this review will provide useful information for the development of more efficient catalysts for this important reaction.

Key words: Glycerol, Hydrogenolysis, 1,3-propanediol, Pt-W based catalysts