Adding value to waste glycerol to produce renewable fuels and chemicals

In the heterogeneous system the effect of heteropolyacid loading and level of metal substitution were investigated. 20 wt% Sn1DTP/K-10 was found to be the most active catalyst, with the effect of reaction parameters and catalyst reusability examined using this catalyst. This catalyst was also used in preliminary continuous flow investigations. In the transesterification of glycerol with dimethyl carbonate to produce glycerol carbonate a series of metal oxide supported sodium aluminate catalysts were prepared.

The effect of preparation method (wet impregnation vs. mechanochemical preparation), metal oxide support and loading of sodium aluminate. Of all the catalysts prepared 20 wt% sodium aluminate on alumina was found to be the most stable catalyst. The effect of calcination temperature on this catalyst was also investigated with increasing calcination temperature resulting in decreased initial catalytic activity but increased catalyst reusability.<br><br><br>