Wellcrystallized hydrocalumite [CuxCayAl(OH)2x + 2y + 2]NO3·nH2O (x < 1.5) was synthesized.
Cu dispersed highly in the matrix of calcined hydrocalumite.
Cu-substituted hydrocalumite mediated catalyst is active for the hydrogenolysis of glycerol.
The specific activity of surface Cu increased with the basicity of catalysts.