Studies on the dehydration of glycerol over niobium catalysts.

Abstract

The dehydration of glycerol over nanosize niobium catalysts was conducted in a stainless steel autoclave reactor. The catalysts were prepared by the calcination of niobium oxalate between 200 and 700 degrees C. Catalysts were characterized by N2 Physisorption, XRD and TPD of ammonia to investigate the effect of the calcination temperature and water on catalytic performance, catalysts' structures and acidity. Acrolein was mainly produced about 51-71% with useful by-products such as acetaldehyde and methanol. Amorphous Nb2O5 catalysts calcined at 200-400 degrees C significantly showed higher conversion of glycerol than the crystallized Nb2O5 catalyst calcined at 500-700 degrees C. Also the conversion of glycerol and selectivity of acrolein was increased with increasing the acidity of catalyst, which can be controlled by calcination temperature.

• Authors: Young Yi Lee, Dong Ju Moon, Jong Ho Kim, Nam Cook Park, Young Chul Kim
• Journal: Journal of nanoscience and nanotechnology (J Nanosci Nanotechnol) Vol. 11 Issue 8 Pg. 7128-31 (Aug 2011) ISSN: 1533-4880 [Print] United States
• PMID: 22103140 (Publication Type: Journal Article)