Towards valorization of glycerol and molasses: Carbon-based catalysts from molasses for the synthesis of acetins

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2025

Authors

Malaika, A (Author) Other; Eblagon, K.M. (Author) FEUP; Matuszek, N (Author) Other; Manuel Fernando R Pereira (Author) FEUP; Kozlowski, M (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Bioresource Technology

Vol. 417

Pages: 1-14

ISSN: 0960-8524

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

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Other information

Authenticus ID: P-017-GTA

DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2024.131834

Abstract (EN): Crude sugarcane molasses (SCM) was successfully applied for the first time as a bio-feedstock for producing biochar catalysts for glycerol upgrading. Preparation methods were developed, including partial or hydrothermal carbonization (abbr. PC and HTC) and chemical activation. After functionalization with - SO3H groups, the catalysts were tested for the esterification of glycerol to acetins. The materials varied in their textural and chemical features, particularly in the - SO3H content, giving the single-step PC method a distinct advantage. The best catalyst yielded approximately 74 % of di- and tri-acetins with 97 % glycerol conversion within only 2 h of the reaction and demonstrated great stability over three consecutive cycles. The formation of the desired TA product was correlated with the concentration of - SO3H groups. Despite being non-porous, the most active PC catalyst possessed a compact structure with a high abundance and easy accessibility of - SO3H, -COOH, and -OH groups on its surface.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 14