Gas phase dehydration of glycerol to acrolein catalyzed by zirconium phosphate

Zirconium phosphates were prepared by precipitation, hydrothermal synthesis, and impregnation methods and were characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, nitrogen adsorption, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and Hammett indicators. The different preparation methods have crucial effects on the texture and surface acidity of the zirconium phosphates. The zirconium phosphates were employed as catalysts for the gas phase dehydration of glycerol under mild reaction conditions. The zirconium phosphates from the precipitation method afforded the highest activity with the complete conversion of glycerol, 81% selectivity to acrolein, and no obvious deactivation over 24 h. Surface acidic sites played an important role in the activity, selectivity to acrolein, and life of catalysts.

Graphical AbstractZirconium phosphates prepared by three different methods were used for the gas phase dehydration of glycerol under mild reaction conditions.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide