Conversion of Glycerol to Hydrocarbon Fuels via Bifunctional Catalysts

Utilization of byproduct glycerol improves biodiesel production in terms of both economics and sustainability. Conversion of glycerol to hydrocarbon (GTH) fuels is among the promising options, which provides additional renewable energy besides biodiesel and contributes further to independence from fossil fuels. In the present work, bifunctional catalysts (Pt/H-ZSM-5 and Pd/H-ZSM-5) were selected, prepared, characterized, and tested for GTH conversion. The addition of noble metals enhances aromatics? yield, and both catalysts convert GTH fuels effectively. On the basis of the experimental observations and prior literature, it is proposed that GTH conversion follows sequential hydrodeoxygenation and aromatization steps. Under optimized conditions, ?90% glycerol conversion and ?60% yield of aromatic hydrocarbons were achieved over the Pd/H-ZSM-5 catalyst.