Utilization of biodiesel byproduct glycerol: Production of methyl lactate over Au/CuO and Sn Beta binary catalyst under mild reaction conditions
Abstract Utilization of glycerol is important for the sustainable development of biodiesel industry. In this study, green conversion of glycerol to methyl lactate was realized over Au/CuO and Sn Beta binary catalyst at low temperature in base free methanol, 86% glycerol conversion and 60% methyl lactate yield can be obtained at 90 degC. Precursors for preparation of CuO have significant influence on the catalytic oxidative activity of Au/CuO. Oxygen mobility of CuO prepared from copper acetate (CuO CA) is the highest compared to CuO materials prepared from copper nitrate (CuO CN) and commercial CuO (CuO Commercial) Meanwhile, dispersion of Au particles is significantly affected by the precursor for synthesis of CuO. Au particles on CuO CA are small (2 4 nm) and uniform. Accordingly, Au/CuO CA shows the best catalytic activity for the oxidation of glycerol. Synergism of oxidative active sites on Au/CuO CA and Lewis acid sites on Sn Beta facilitates the production of methyl lactate from glycerol. Meanwhile, the catalysts are recyclable and can be reused easily without any treatment.
Energy Conversion and Management