Glycerol etherification to polyglycerols using Ca1+xAl1-xLaxO3 composite catalysts in a solventless medium

The activity of novel Ca1+xAl1-xLaxO3 composite catalysts in glycerol etherification into polyglycerols in a solventless system was investigated. The catalysts synthesized using a co-precipitation method were thermally treated at 560 degrees C for 4.5 h, and their activity in glycerol etherification was assessed. X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and surface analysis were performed to characterize the catalysts. Effects of various parameters such as catalyst loading, reaction temperature, and reaction time were successfully elucidated. The metal oxide composite catalyst with a La:Ca ratio of 1:2.7 showed the highest activity and selectivity at 2 wt.% of catalyst loading. (C) 2012 Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.