Turning Glycerol into Fuel Additives

Author : ASHISH UNNARKAT

Abstract :Acetylation of glycerol signifies a promising route for the valorization of glycerol, a major by-product of biodiesel production, into value-added chemicals such as monoacetin, diacetin, and triacetin. These acetins are widely used as bio-additives, plasticizers, and solvents due to their favorable physicochemical properties. In this study, the acetylation reaction was carried out using acetic acid as the acetylating agent in the presence of various solid acid catalysts. The catalysts were synthesized via thermal decomposition and wet impregnation methods, and characterized using XRD, SEM, and FTIR to evaluate their structural, morphological, and chemical properties. The sulfonated catalysts exhibited enhanced Brønsted acidity, leading to higher conversion of glycerol and greater selectivity toward triacetin. Parametric studies were performed for change in time, temperature, catalyst loading and mole ratio.

Keywords :Glycerol acetylation, Sulfated metal oxides, Triacetin, Diacetin, Monoacetin.

Conference Name :National Conference On Emerging Trends In Engineering And Technology (NCETET-25)

Conference Place Goa, India

Conference Date 5th Oct 2025