Core-shell composite catalysts composing of AgO@SnO 2/ZSM-5 embedded by Ni xMg 4-xAlO LDOs with various Ni/Mg ratios were characterized and tested for the activity on the conversion of glycerol to valuable chemicals under a base-free and external H 2-free condition. As a result, the catalytic performance of an embedded composite was found greater than that of its individual constituents, owing to the synergy between a Ni xMg 4-xAlO lodge and embedded AgO@SnO 2/ZSM-5. The highest yield of 1,2-propanediol and lactic acid was achieved at the Ni/Mg ratio of 0.2/3.8. Ni xMg 4-xAlO lodges were found to simultaneously drive glycerol dehydration to acetol and glycerol reforming, driven by Ni sites, forming in-situ H 2 that enhances 1,2-propanediol formation whereas the AgO@SnO 2/ZSM-5 clusters governed acetol oxidation and Cannizzaro reaction that led to the formation of lactic acid. At a high Ni/Mg ratio, the Ni xMg 4-xAlO lodges completely covered AgO@SnO 2/ZSM-5 clusters entirely, resulting in the suppression of lactic acid yield due to over-oxidation.
In-depth analysis of Ni xMg 4-xAlO-embedded AgO@SnO 2/ZSM-5 composite catalysts.
Composite catalysts proven to drive consecutive reactions from glycerol to lactic acid.
Formation of 1,2-propanediol and lactic acid made possible owing to the synergy among components.
Change of Ni content in Ni-LDO altered the degree of embedment and product selectivity.
Complete coverage of AgO@SnO 2/ZSM-5 by Ni xMg 4-xAlO suppressed lactic acid yield due to over-oxidation.