Abstract: A series of Ni-W/β zeolite catalysts were prepared via incipient impregnation method in order to improve the yield of 1, 2-propylene glycol (1, 2-PG) in the alcohol products of cellulose hydrogenation. Under the reaction conditions of 240℃ and 6.0 MPa H₂ for 30 min, the complete conversion of cellulose was obtained and the yields of 1, 2 propylene glycol and ethylene glycol (EG) were 19.3% and 45.3%, respectively. Different from other supports, the selectivity of 1, 2-PG was highly improved when β zeolite was used. The selectivity of 1, 2-PG was further improved after the addition of alkaline, and the yield of 1, 2-PG was up to 32.5% especially for Ba (OH)₂. The function of alkaline catalysts in the reaction was also discussed based on a series of reactions using glucose as the substrate, indicating that alkaline was favorable for the isomerization of glucose to fructose and thus promoted the conversion of cellulose into 1, 2-PG. After two cycles of reuse, the yield of 1, 2-PG and EG slightly decreased (3.9% and 4.1%, respectively).