Etherification of glycerol to polyglycerols over hydrotalcite catalyst prepared using a combustion method

Selective etherification of glycerol to polyglycerols by hydrotalcite catalysts prepared using combustion method was investigated. Characteristics and activity of catalysts synthesized using various fuel types in the combustion method (glucose, fructose and saccharose) and calcination temperature (450 °C to 850 °C) were elucidated. Due to suitable molecular size and enthalpy, glucose was the most suitable fuel to be used. Calcination at 650 °C led to the highest catalytic activity (77.7% conversion) in 16 h. However, 850 °C was detrimental to catalytic activity due to the extraction of MgO from the hydrotalcite framework.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Etherification of glycerol to polyglycerols ► Hydrotalcite catalysts prepared using a combustion method ► Effect of type of fuel and calcination temperature ► Glucose and calcination at 650 °C produced the most active catalyst. ► Calcination at 650 °C caused MgO extraction from the hydrotalcite framework.