Production of Biomass-Derived Chemicals and Energy: Chemocatalytic Conversions of Glycerol

Abstract

The growing production of biodiesel as a renewable source-based fuel leads to an increased amount of glycerol. Thus, it is a favorable starting material to obtain highly functionalized products. From a variety of catalytic reactions three examples, namely glycerol oxidation, glycerol hydrogenolysis and aqueous-phase reforming, were chosen for detailed studies in our group. The experimental focus for the oxidation of glycerol was set on preparation and detailed examination of supported Pt-Bi catalysts in batch reactions as well as in continuous experiments using a trickle bed reactor. For aqueous-phase reforming of glycerol to hydrogen the addition of tin to supported platinum catalysts was investigated. Ruthenium and copper based catalysts could be successfully applied in the hydrogenolysis of glycerol to 1,2-propanediol.

Continuous flow transformations of glycerol to valuable products: an overview

“…The use of bimetallic catalysts has also been reported in continuous flow oxidation of glycerol [17]. Supported PtBi catalysts (5 wt% Pt, 5.4 wt% Bi) on active charcoal were employed in continuous flow experiments using a trickle bed reactor.…”

Glycerol Hydrogenolysis over Co Catalysts Derived from a Layered Double Hydroxide Precursor

“…To make the process more cost effective, the utilization of the crude glycerol to produce value-added fine chemicals and fuel has attracted significant attention in recent years. The hydrogenolysis of glycerol to propanediol is a promising option [1,2]. Until now, supported Cu [3], Co [4], Ni [5], Ru [6], Pt [7], Rh [8] and Ir [9] catalysts have been reported to be active towards glycerol hydrogenolysis.…”

Renewable H2 from Glycerol Steam Reforming: Effect of La2O3 and CeO2 Addition to Pt/Al2O3 catalysts.

“…[18] Recently biodiesel has become one of the most promising biofuels, [19][20][21][22] although its relatively high production costs are a limitation to its worldwide acceptance. The recovery of byproducts (mainly glycerol) from biodiesel production and their use as new feedstocks in biorefineries [23,24] can strongly contribute to bringing down the overall production costs of biodiesel.…”