This work focuses on the activity, selectivity, and characterization of alumina and zirconia supported Ru(2.5% wt.)-Cu(2.5% wt.) bimetallic catalysts to produce 1,2-propanediol (1,2-PDO) from glycerol hydrogenolysis. Characterization techniques included XRD, BET, TEM, H-2 chemisorption,TPR and DRIFTS. Turnover frequencies were obtained for batch reactions ran at different temperatures. At 473 K and 2.5 MPa of dihydrogen, a conversion of 45% of glycerol with 94% selectivity toward 1,2-PDO was found when the Ru(2.5% wt.)-Cu(2.5%wt.)/Al2O3 was used. Recycle experiments were done for the monometallic catalysts, in which Ru/Al2O3 showed a better performance. (C) 2016 Published by Elsevier B.V.