Catalytic Valorization of Glycerol: Strategies and Perspectives

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in biodiesel production, which involves the mixture of fatty acid methyl esters obtained through the trans-esterification of vegetable oils with methanol. Consequently, today, close to two million tons per year of glycerol, the by-product of the reaction, is available. The generous availability, along with the beneficial eco-toxicologic profile of this functionalized C3 molecule, has motivated the scientific community to convert glycerol into high added-value chemicals through selective oxidation, oligomerization, hydrogenation, acetylation, dehydration, chlorination, pyrolysis, and esterification. The result is a wide range of products with applications such as surfactants, additives, solvents, and monomers.

The methodology of choice for these transformations is catalysis, and recent literature demonstrates great effort to develop catalytic systems, both homogeneous and heterogeneous, that are capable of meeting strict sustainability requirements.

This Special Issue of Catalysts aims to present a collection of the most recent progress and trends in improving already known glycerol transformations. This will include proposed useful conversions of glycerol along with theoretical understanding of the catalytic processes.

Prof. Dr. Francesco Ruffo
Dr. Roberto Esposito
Guest Editors

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