A perspective on catalytic conversion of glycerol to olefins

Glycerol, an alcohol and oxygenated chemical from biodiesel production, has enormous potential to be converted into higher value-added fuels and chemicals. Conversion of glycerol to olefins, although relatively new, has been proven viable by the limited number of literatures available. However, the studies on alcohol-to-hydrocarbons involving methanol and ethanol conversions to hydrocarbons (MTHC and ETHC) have extensively been conducted. Due to the increasing amount of glycerol produced worldwide and the importance of olefins in the industry, it is therefore essential to have broadened knowledge on the technology of glycerol conversion to olefin (GTO). This review focuses on GTO with reference to the more established MTHC and ETHC studies. The chemistry and reaction schemes for methanol and ethanol reactions to produce hydrocarbons are also reviewed to provide some basics study for GTO. Catalytic conversion processes with different raw materials for obtaining olefins are then compared with GTO. GTO offers viable, sustainable and environmental friendly technology for green olefins production from renewable resources, and concerted efforts should be geared to explore its potential.