Glycerol Selective Oxidation into Value-Added Products. The Role of Heterogeneous Catalysts

Abstract

Crude glycerol is considered the main by-product (10 wt%) from biodiesel production, obtained via transesterification of vegetable oil. Due to the highly functionalized nature of its molecule, attributed to the presence of three hydroxyl groups, glycerol has become a promising platform molecule for selective oxidation into value-added products. Several heterogeneous catalysts have been used in practice, where metal/support properties and reaction conditions chosen are capable of leading the path to a desired product. Present chapter highlights the recent advances and outlook for catalyst design strategies employed for liquid-phase glycerol selective oxidation.