Acidic graphene organocatalyst for the superior transformation of wastes into high-added-value chemicals

Aby Cheruvathoor Poulose, Miroslav Medveď, Vasudeva Rao Bakuru, Akashdeep Sharma, Deepika Singh, Suresh Babu Kalidindi, Hugo Bares, Michal Otyepka, Kolleboyina Jayaramulu (), Aristides Bakandritsos () and Radek Zbořil ()
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Aby Cheruvathoor Poulose: Palacký University in Olomouc
Miroslav Medveď: Palacký University in Olomouc
Vasudeva Rao Bakuru: Materials Science and Catalysis Division, Poornaprajna Institute of Scientific Research
Akashdeep Sharma: Indian Institute of Technology Jammu
Deepika Singh: Quality Management & Instrumentation Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine
Suresh Babu Kalidindi: AU PG Centre, Kondakarakam Village
Hugo Bares: Palacký University in Olomouc
Michal Otyepka: Palacký University in Olomouc
Kolleboyina Jayaramulu: Indian Institute of Technology Jammu
Aristides Bakandritsos: Palacký University in Olomouc
Radek Zbořil: Palacký University in Olomouc

Nature Communications, 2023, vol. 14, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract Our dependence on finite fossil fuels and the insecure energy supply chains have stimulated intensive research for sustainable technologies. Upcycling glycerol, produced from biomass fermentation and as a biodiesel formation byproduct, can substantially contribute in circular carbon economy. Here, we report glycerol’s solvent-free and room-temperature conversion to high-added-value chemicals via a reusable graphene catalyst (G-ASA), functionalized with a natural amino acid (taurine). Theoretical studies unveil that the superior performance of the catalyst (surpassing even homogeneous, industrial catalysts) is associated with the dual role of the covalently linked taurine, boosting the catalyst’s acidity and affinity for the reactants. Unlike previous catalysts, G-ASA exhibits excellent activity (7508 mmol g−1 h−1) and selectivity (99.9%) for glycerol conversion to solketal, an additive for improving fuels’ quality and a precursor of commodity and fine chemicals. Notably, the catalyst is also particularly active in converting oils to biodiesel, demonstrating its general applicability.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36602-0

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