Kinetic Modeling of Glycerol Hydrogenolysis: A Short Review

Glycerol hydrogenolysis represents one of the most promising technologies for future bio-refineries. In this context, kinetic modeling provides key quantitative assessment of the significance of various reactions for process development. However, as of present, there are only limited studies on detailed kinetic modeling of glycerol conversion to 1,2-propanediol, ethylene glycol and other alcoholic products. In this work, a comprehensive summary on kinetic modeling of glycerol hydrogenolysis has been conducted to reveal the possible mechanism involved in the activation of the C-H and C-O bond in glycerol molecules. In particular, power law and Langmuir–Hinshelwood model types have been critically discussed with mechanistic insights. The outcome of this review article will offer alternative views on the scale-up design of glycerol hydrogenolysis to glycols, as well as hydrogenolysis of various other bio-derived compounds to value-added chemicals.