Glycerol dehydration to acrolein in the context of new uses of glycerol

Catalytic dehydration of glycerol to acrolein has the potential to valorise the glut of crude glycerol issuing from biodiesel production. This reaction requires catalysts with appropriate acidity, and intensive research activities have been focused on the application of families of catalysts including zeolites, heteropolyacids, mixed metal oxides and (oxo)-pyrophosphates, as their acidic properties are well-known. Nevertheless, their deactivation by coking remains the main obstacle in the way of large-scale industrial applications. Considering this important issue, various technologies have been proposed for regenerating the catalysts. This review shows that a well-balanced combination of an appropriate catalytic system together with an adapted regeneration process could put large-scale industrial applications within reach.