A review of catalytic systems for glycerol oxidation: Alternatives for waste valorization

Abstract

Endeavours leading to the study of glycerol oxidation result from the imperative necessity for wise utilization of surplus glycerine generated as by-product from biodiesel manufacture. The oxidation of glycerol is one of the most promising reactions as it leads to the generation of valuable glycerol derivatives that find broad application in pharmaceutical, polymer, and food industries. This review highlights the processing alternatives for glycerol by means of biocatalyst-mediated, heterogeneous, homogeneous, and electrochemical oxidation. The current state of the art is evaluated and recommendations for further research and future directions are included. © 2013 CSIRO.