Selective Catalytic Hydrogenolysis of Glycerol to 1,3‐PDO: Recent Research Advances

ABSTRACT Glycerol, a critical biomass‐derived platform compound, holds significant potential for high‐value biomass conversion. The selective hydrogenolysis of glycerol to produce 1,2‐propanediol (1,2‐PDO) and 1,3‐propanediol (1,3‐PDO) is one of the most promising and representative pathways for its efficient transformation. This review provides a comprehensive summary of recent advancements in the selective catalytic hydrogenolysis of glycerol to 1,3‐PDO, discussing current industrial production methods and emerging alternative conversion routes. The challenges in the hydrogenolysis of glycerol to 1,3‐PDO are emphasized, with insights from thermodynamic and kinetic perspectives, as well as the fundamental principles of designing active sites. The focus is placed on the latest developments in bifunctional catalyst systems, including state‐of‐the‐art Pt‐WO x and Ir‐ReO x families along with non‐noble metal catalysts, highlighting the distinct roles of metal sites and Brønsted acid sites in enhancing glycerol conversion rates and 1,3‐PDO selectivity. The performance of these catalysts can be optimized through tuning catalyst structural design, metal–support interactions, and reaction mechanisms. Finally, the future trends in catalyst research for glycerol hydrogenation to 1,3‐PDO are analyzed, offering new perspectives for advancing research in this field.