PRODUCTION OF ENERGY CARRIERS FROM BIOMASS BYPRODUCTS. GLYCEROL REFORMING FOR THE PRODUCTION OF HYDROGEN, HYDROCARBONS AND HIGHER ALCOHOLS

Glycerol2Energy has been designed intending to investigate fundamental and technological aspects regarding glycerol reforming reactions (SR, OSR and APR) and higher alcohols synthesis from the syngas produced.

The study includes the thermodynamic analysis of each process, the evaluation of the catalytic performance of prepared materials and the investigation of the effects of reaction conditions. The effect of impurities in the feed will be examined in order to optimize the catalysts for the reforming of a real crude glycerol fraction.

Physicochemical characterization will allow elucidating the effect of catalysts's composition and preparation parameters on the textural, structural and catalytic properties. Mechanistic and kinetic studies will be performed for the reforming reactions. Advanced reactor configurations and a report on optimal operating conditions are also among the deliverables. Furthermore, a report of the environmental, technical and economic sustainability of processes for crude glycerol exploitation will be also provided. Thus, the study covers key issues from basic research to practical application.