Upgrading of glycerol from biodiesel synthesis with dimethyl carbonate on reusable Sr–Al mixed oxide catalysts. (15th April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Algoufi, Y.T.; Akpan, U.G.; Kabir, G.; Asif, M.; Hameed, B.H.
• Is Part Of: Energy conversion and management. Volume 138(2017)
• Page Start: 183
• Page End: 189
• Publication Date: 2017-04-15
• Subjects: Dimethyl carbonate -- Glycerol -- Glycerol carbonate -- Strontium–aluminum catalyst -- Transesterification; Direct energy conversion -- Periodicals; Energy storage -- Periodicals; Energy transfer -- Periodicals; Énergie -- Conversion directe -- Périodiques; Direct energy conversion; Periodicals; 621.3105
• DOI: 10.1016/j.enconman.2017.01.078
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0196-8904

Abstract

Highlights: Catalytic transesterification with dimethyl carbonate (DMC) converts glycerol into glycerol carbonate (GLC). DMC and Sr x –Al catalysts affect the reaction mechanisms that convert glycerol into GLC. The morphology and textural structure of Sr x –Al catalysts perpetuate catalytic activity. The atomic ratio of Sr/Al has a unique effect on Sr–Al catalytic activity. Sr0.5 –Al catalyst exhibits limited leaching after five reaction cycles. Abstract: The high demand for renewable energy has led to the upsurge of methanol-assisted biodiesel synthesis. Therefore, glycerol as a byproduct entered the waste stream given the oversupply of biodiesel to the market. The dimethyl carbonate (DMC)-assisted transesterification of glycerol on a catalyst has been a popular approach for converting glycerol into valuable glycerol carbonate (GLC). The synthesis of GLC from the DMC-assisted transesterification of glycerol on mixed oxide catalysts (Srx –Al) with different Sr/Al ratios was examined in this study. A glycerol conversion of 99.4% and a GLC yield of 100% were achieved in a catalyst with Sr/Al = 0.5 (Sr0.5 –Al). Both values are higher than those in catalysts synthesized with Sr/Al = 0.25 and 0.75. The Sr0.5 –Al catalyst withstood five transesterification reaction cycles without a serious deactivation induced by the leaching of active SrO. Therefore, the Sr0.5 –Al catalyst is suitable for consecutive uses in the DMC-assisted transesterification of glycerol with DMC into GLC.