Ru-ZrO2-SBA-15 as efficient and robust catalyst for the aqueous phase hydrogenation of glucose to sorbitol

[Display omitted] •Ru particles on ZrO2-coated SBA-15 type materials show excellent activity for glucose hydrogenation in aqueous phase.•ZrO2-coated silica-based SBA-15 supports enhance catalytic activity of ruthenium in comparison with pure silica SBA-15.•ZrO2 layer on SBA-15 prevents the agglomeration of ruthenium particles and the collapse of the ordered silica network. The hydrogenation of aqueous solutions of glucose into sorbitol has been tackled in the presence of ruthenium-functionalized catalysts using mesostructured pure-silica SBA-15 and ZrO2-coated SBA-15 materials as supports. The influence of the metal loading and the presence of ZrO2 in the supports on the catalytic activity of these materials have been evaluated. Metal loading is a major factor affecting the dispersion of the ruthenium active phase, but the presence of a zirconia layer onto the catalyst support revealed to be a key parameter to control not only the dispersion of Ru particles, but also their stability. Catalysts characterization and reaction tests to evaluate the catalytic performance of Ru-containing materials evidenced the beneficial influence of ZrO2-containing supports to prevent the agglomeration of Ru nanoparticles during hydrogenation tests, thus leading to more robust catalysts. This work proposes an approach to the preparation of active and stable catalysts for aqueous phase hydrogenation of biomass-derived carbohydrates.