Modification g-C3N4 by MgO and its application for glycerol carbonate synthesis from glycerol and dimethyl carbonate

Glycerol (GLY) as a by-product in bio-diesel synthesis should be converted to more valuable compounds. In the present study, MgO/graphitic carbon nitride (MgO/g-C3N4) was synthesized and characterized using several techniques, including FESEM, Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, TEM, and CO2-TPD. The MgO/g-C3N4 catalysts illustrated high catalytic activity compared with pure g-C3N4 and MgO for conversion of glycerol to glycerol carbonate (GC) through transesterification reaction between GLY and dimethyl carbonate (DMC). According to the results, the optimum reaction conditions were: reaction time of 4 h, reaction temperature of 80 degrees C, molar ratio of reactants (DMC:GLY) 3:1, and MgO/C3N4 catalyst dosage of 30 mg. The catalyst with a certain ratio of MgO:g-C3N4 = 6:1 showed the maximum GC yield of 95.47% at 80 degrees C and good reusability. The simple preparation method, good catalytic activity, and reusability of the catalyst shows capability of this catalytic system on an industrial scale.

Automated summary

MgO/g-C3N4 catalyst was synthesized and used for conversion of glycerol to glycerol carbonate. The catalyst showed high catalytic activity and good reusability under optimal reaction conditions. These findings are important for developing sustainable methods for bio-diesel production.