GLYCEROL HYDROGENOLYSIS TO PRODUCE C-C CLEAVAGE PRODUCTS SUCH AS METHANOL AND ETHYLENE GLYCOL VIA SUSTAINABLE PATHWAY

The Ph.D. work focuses on converting biodiesel waste glycerol into value-added chemicals sustainably. Shalini has developed a low temperature, ambient pressure reaction system to convert glycerol via vapor phase hydrogenolysis over ruthenium-based catalysts in a continuous-flow fixed-bed reactor. The reaction system converted glycerol into a fuel blend and additive. The developed process is energy-efficient and has an excellent potential to be scaled up. The work was selected as the Top 5 finalist in the 5th Green and Sustainable Chemistry Challenge.