Green Chemistry and Technology

Studies using heterogeneous catalysts for the hydrolysis reaction of edible oils still are in early stage. Recently, it was found that the aqueous solution of glycerol, formed after the hydrolysis, may suffer the reaction of aqueous phase reform (APR) producing H₂ and CO₂. The H₂ can be used in the hydrogenation of unsaturated free fatty acids formed, allowing to obtain a specific fatty acid of higher added value. The present work demonstrates that you can tune in the final product by choosing the appropriate sequential catalyst system as shown in the figure below.