Hetergeneous Catalysis - Green Methanol Synthesis

Lead Research Organisation: CARDIFF UNIVERSITY
Department Name: Chemistry

Abstract

Glycerol is a waste resource generated in the production of biodiesel from triglycerides; a component of oils and fats. The increasing demand at the government level for a bio-sourced component to automotive fuels has driven the generation of a surplus of glycerol. Glycerol in a purified state has many applications in food and pharmaceutical industries; however, the waste glycerol from biodiesel is a majority portion of a crude mixture. This mixture can contain up to 30 percent water, salts, methanol and partially converted triglycerides. Presently, there is little demand for this crude glycerol and as a result remains waste and is often combusted as a disposal method to generate energy.
We have developed a process which can produce methanol in relatively high yields over metal oxide catalysts which have either basic or redox active surfaces. Crucially, this can occur with crude glycerol solutions which have been simply filtered and slightly diluted. The results obtained thus far pave the way for commercial demonstration where the reaction products comprised principally of methanol can be blended with petroleum. Such a process has the potential to dramatically alter current approaches to increase the bio-derived competent of automotive fuels.
The aims of the present work are to maximise the conversion of crude glycerol to molecules suitable for petroleum blend-stock. Principally, we aim to reduce the production of unsuitable components such as aldehydes and carbon dioxide through the production of catalysts with tailored, selective surfaces. Secondly, the use of crude glycerol is required to make an economic case for this technology. Catalysts must be tolerant to the residual impurities present following an appropriate level of purification compatible with large volumes present on an industrial scale. Therefore, the aim is produce effective catalysts, which are selective and tolerant without increasing the production of CO2 through oxidation of impurities.

Studentship Projects

Project Reference Relationship Related To Start End Student Name
EP/N509449/1 30/09/2016 29/09/2021
1796879 Studentship EP/N509449/1 30/09/2016 29/06/2020 Louise Smith
 
Description Conference talk 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact I presented work from my PhD at Europacat, an international catalysis conference.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Conference talk (CCI Conference) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact I was asked to present my research at the annual CCI conference which was attended by approximately 180 delegates, comprised of fellow PhD students, post-doctoral researchers, academics and industrial researchers. The presentation led to numerous discussions and questions afterwards leading to increased awareness of the project in the catalysis community, as well as valuable insights for future works.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019