Non-catalytic and γ-Al₂O₃ catalyst-based degradation of glycerol by sonication method

This research aims to study the effect of the addition of the catalyst γ-Al₂O₃ on the degradation of glycerol with using sonication method. This degradation reaction performed with the aid of a catalyst γ-Al₂O₃ or without a catalyst. Reactants were prepared from glycerol-water mixture with a mass ratio of 1:8. Experiment was carried out in a batch reactor at atmospheric pressure, temperature range between 30-70 °C for 10-90 min. The products, which were degraded from glycerol, were analyzed by gas chromatography (GC). The results showed that the ultrasonic wave radiation could degrade glycerol. The glycerol conversion was 2.92%-59.95% without employing catalyst, while the conversion of glycerol increased with adding γ-Al₂O₃.catalyst. It was found that methanol, allyl alcohol and acrolein were degradation products.