Catalytic Hydrogenolysis of Glycerol to Produce Monoalcohols

Rapid development of biodiesel production in Indonesia increases by-product of glycerol availability. As an effect, glycerol is in abundant stock and its market value decreases. This study has been aimed at valorizing glycerol market value by converting it into mono-alcohols, in particular ethanol. Catalytic conversion has been attempted by examining several nickel based catalyst performances on glycerol transformation. The catalysts were developed by impregnating nickel metal salts precursor on activated carbon, silica, magnesium oxide and alumina. Hydrogenolysis was selected to carry out the reaction, conducted at 2 MPa and 473 – 573 K. Analysis of the catalyst performance showed that the highest conversion of glycerol can be obtained with the use of Ni/MgO catalyst, in which 81% conversion could be achieved. The highest yield of ethanol: 1.1%, was recorded when alumina catalyst was applied in the reaction.