Promoting effect of boron oxide on Cu/SiO2 catalyst for glycerol hydrogenolysis to 1,2-propanediol.

Highlights: [•] B2O3 can promote the dispersion of copper species and stabilize copper particles. [•] Addition of B2O3 to Cu/SiO2 greatly enhanced activity and stability. [•] 100% Conversion and 98.0% 1,2-propanediol selectivity were achieved over 3CuB/SiO2. [•] 1,2-Propanediol yield was proportional to Cu specific surface area. [•] Glycerol hydrogenolysis is a structure-sensitive reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]