Progress of Catalytic Valorization of Bio-Glycerol with Urea into Glycerol Carbonate as a Monomer for Polymeric Materials

Abstract

Versatile polymers with highly adjustable characteristics and a broad range of applications are possibly developed owing to the contemporary industrial polymerization techniques. However, industrial production of large amounts of chemicals and polymers heavily depends on petroleum resources which are dwindling and unsustainable. Of particular interest is to utilize sustainable and green resources for the manufacture of polymeric materials. The efficient transformation of bio-glycerol to the relevant functional derivatives are being widely investigated owing to the increasing demand for enhancing the value of glycerol manufactured by biodiesel and oleochemical industries. With respect to glycerol-based polymer chemistry and technology, considering the economy and environmental benefits, using effective catalysts for the selective transformation of bio-glycerol and urea into glycerol carbonate (GC) as a polymer monomer is of great significance. In this review, recent studies on GC synthesis involving the catalysts such as zinc, magnesium, tungsten, ionic liquid-based catalysts, reaction conditions, and possible pathways are primarily described. Some critical issues and challenges with respect to the rational development of heterogeneous catalytic materials like well-balanced acid-base sites are also illustrated.

Monomers and Macromolecular Materials from Renewable Resources: State of the Art and Perspectives

“…A review article published by Ebadipour and coworkers indicates that alkaline homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis might be strategic routes to yield glycerol-based polymers, as it offers higher glycerol conversions, but some practical issues remain to be solved [ 112 ]. Another possible approach is to synthesize glycerol carbonate from crude glycerol and urea, which can be then converted to polycarbonates, polyglycerol esters, hyperbranched polyols, and non-isocyanate polyurethanes using zinc, magnesium, tungsten, and ionic liquid-based catalysts [ 113 ]. It is also important to mention the initiatives that aim to design overall sustainable processes, which are normally achieved by employing mild reaction conditions and/or biological catalysts.…”

An Overview of the Latest Advances in the Catalytic Synthesis of Glycerol Carbonate

“…The GC yield of the reaction system with the urea route is low, and a catalyst must be used to obtain a higher glycerol conversion rate [27]. Consequently, the design and selection of catalysts are particularly critical.…”

Measurement and Correlation of Liquid–Liquid Equilibrium Data for the Extraction of Glycerol Carbonate from Glycerol Using Ethyl Acetate and 2-Butanone + Benzene Mixture

“…However, glycerol (G) coproduced in the biodiesel production accumulated simultaneously and there is an urgent need to develop new uses for the surplus glycerol. , To this end, scholars have proposed multiple conversion pathways for glycerol, including selective hydrogenation, selective oxidation, selective etherification, aqueous phase reforming, and synthesis of glycerol carbonate. − Among them, glycerol carbonate is a nonflammable, nontoxic, biodegradable green chemical, which can be used as a solvent, electrolyte, polymer monomer, intermediate, and so on. − …”