Performance of lithium modified zeolite Y catalyst in solvent-free conversion of glycerol to polyglycerols

Lithium-exchanged zeolite Y (Li-ZeY) catalyst was prepared and characterized with a surface analyser, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The activity of the catalyst was studied in solvent-free conversion of glycerol to polyglycerol via etherification. The effects of reaction temperature on glycerol conversion and polyglycerol formation were successfully elucidated. The catalyst was found to be highly active and thermally stable, with glycerol conversion of 99% at 240 °C after 8 h of reaction. A higher polyglycerol yield (70.5%) was found with Li-ZeY than with homogenous LiOH under the same reaction conditions.