For the slurry-bed hydrogenation of dextrose to sorbitol, we have a wide choice of our molybdenum promoted nickel SPONGE METAL™ catalysts available.

These catalysts are prepared from alloys of nickel and aluminium. The aluminium is leached from the alloy structure, leaving behind an active metal surface covered or saturated with adsorbed hydrogen. The activated catalysts are stored under water to protect them from oxidation. SPONGE METAL catalysts are in fully active form when shipped and require no preactivation prior to use.

Our SPONGE METAL catalysts are also used in hydrogenation reactions in the production of other polyols, like mannitol, maltitol, xylitol and lactitol.