Work

Analysis of Glycerol Carbonate Production from Dimethyl Carbonate and Glycerol Using Different Alkaline Zirconates (Li 2– x Na x ZrO 3 , Where 0 ≤ x ≤ 2) as Efficient Catalysts

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide The growing demand for biodiesel has generated an excess of glycerol as a byproduct. Thus, catalytic conversion of glycerol into value-added products, such as glycerol carbonate (GC), is important. In the present study, Li 2 ZrO 3 and different compositions of the lithium–sodium zirconate solid solution (Li 2– x Na x ZrO 3 ) were tested for GC production from glycerol and dimethyl carbonate transesterification reaction. All the ceramic chemical compositions were synthesized by solid-state reaction and fully characterized. Then, gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy was used to analyze the catalytic reaction products, using as initial and main material Li 2 ZrO 3 . For lithium zirconate, the best reaction conditions (80 °C and 180 min, using 10 mol % of catalyst and a reagents molar ratio of 1:1.5) evidenced a maximum glycerol conversion of 94.5%, with a yield and selectivity of 92.6 and 98%, respectively, toward glycerol carbonate formation. In addition, the kinetic parameters of this reaction, using Li 2 ZrO 3 as the catalyst, were also investigated, revealing that the process followed a pseudo-first-order kinetic model, with an activation energy of 57.07 kJ mol –1 . Additionally, the associated thermodynamic parameters, including enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs free energy, were also calculated. Based on lithium zirconate results, different Li 2– x Na x ZrO 3 solid solution compositions were catalytically analyzed under the same physicochemical conditions. Results evidenced that GC formation strongly depends on the Li/Na ratio, where optimal yield and selectivity values were achieved for mixed Li-rich compositions, while Na-rich samples promoted side reactions, mainly glycidol formation. Moreover, it was determined that Na addition mainly modified the kinetic behavior, rather than thermodynamic data. Overall, Li 2– x Na x ZrO 3, where ( x ≥ 0.8), demonstrated good performance under moderate conditions, making them an attractive option for minimizing the costs associated with reagents and energy requirements.

Source: Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research

DOI: 10.1021/acs.iecr.5c04522

Authors: Nayeli Gómez-Garduño, Heriberto Pfeiffer

Institution: Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

Language: English

Topic: Catalysis for Biomass Conversion

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,500