Review on recent progress in catalytic carboxylation and acetylation of glycerol as a byproduct of biodiesel production

Upgrading the Glycerol from Biodiesel Production as a Source of Energy Carriers and Chemicals—A Technological Review for Three Chemical Pathways

“…Some of these uses are as an intermediate in the synthesis of polymers such as polyesters, hyper-branched aliphatic polyethers, polycarbonates, polyurethanes, polyamides, surfactants, lubricating oils, cosmetics or electrolytic carriers in lithium-ion batteries [14,48]. Glycerol carbonate can also be a green alternative to a set of equivalent fossil derivative compounds such as ethylene or propylene carbonate.…”

“…The transesterification reaction for biodiesel production, consists therein in replacing the glycerol molecule by an alcohol with fewer carbon atoms, for example with one methanol molecule, forming a monoglyceride, or with ethanol forming a diglyceride [14,17]. These glycerides have much better fuel properties than the original oil.…”

“…The glut of unrefined glycerol can turn new applications of this feedstock contributive for compensate the difference in costs of biodiesel, relatively to fossil diesel, and also contributing to reduce the energetic requirements for biodiesel production. The global production of crude glycerol was of about 4 Mtons in 2012 with a projection of 4200 ML by 2020 [14]. This increased production was of course reflected on a drastic falling of the stuff prices with the prices of refined glycerol declining from about 3200 $/ton in EU and 2000 $/ton in the US in 1995 to under 500 $/ton and 600 $/ton in 2010 [13].…”

“…The prices of crude glycerol were lower by about a threefold factor. In 2013, its price recovered to about 900-965 $/ton, with the corresponding price of crude glycerol lower on a fourfold scale [14]. These low prices of glycerol are of course beneficial for improving the potential of possible applications, and are very dependent on the biomass used in the production of the biodiesel.…”

Preparation of Cassava Bagasse Starch-Based Biodegradable Film Reinforced with Chicken Feet Gelatin, Citric Acid as Crosslinker, and Glycerol as Plasticizer

“…Glycerol is chosen to be a plasticizer because it is most effective in flexibility to protein-based films (gelatin) [14]. In addition of glycerol is very affordable price [15]. Meanwhile, citric acid can increase the level of elongation and reduce the water content of the biofilm [16].…”