Glycerol (Byproduct of Biodiesel Production) as a Source for Fuels and Chemicals – Mini Review

Abstract

Currently the large surplus of glycerol formed as a by-product during the production of biodiesel offered an abundant and low cost feedstock. Researchers showed a surge of interest in using glycerol as renewable feedstock to produce functional chemicals. This Minireview focuses on recent developments in the conversion of glycerol into valueadded products, including citric acid, lactic acid, 1,3-dihydroxyacetone (DHA), 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PD), dichloro-2- propanol (DCP), acrolein, hydrogen, and ethanol etc. The versatile new applications of glycerol in the everyday life and chemical industry will improve the economic viability of the biodiesel industry.