Role of metal (Pt)–support (MgO) interactions in base-free glucose dehydrogenation

Abstract

The green conversion of renewable biomass to high-value-added products and green hydrogen will lend itself to achieve carbon neutrality. Moreover, the use of solid (heterogeneous) bases instead of homogeneous bases in catalytic biomass reactions conforms to the principles of green chemistry and sustainability. Accordingly, we employed MgO as a solid base catalyst support for the catalytic dehydrogenation of glucose. The excellent catalytic activity of Pt/MgO catalysts was found to be related to the strong interactions between the Pt catalyst and MgO support. The partial positive charge of Pt on MgO resulting from the strong electronic interactions between Pt and MgO promoted the adsorption of glucose, thereby enhancing the catalytic activity. Pt/MgO was deactivated after use because of the adsorption of organic matter and the hydration of MgO, but it could be reactivated by an appropriate regeneration treatment. This work sheds new light on the rational design of catalysts for the green conversion of biomass-based platform molecules.