Acidic graphene organocatalyst for the superior transformation of wastes into high-added-value chemicals

• Published in: Nature communications Vol. 14; no. 1; p. 1373
• Main Authors: Cheruvathoor Poulose, Aby, Medveď, Miroslav, Bakuru, Vasudeva Rao, Sharma, Akashdeep, Singh, Deepika, Kalidindi, Suresh Babu, Bares, Hugo, Otyepka, Michal, Jayaramulu, Kolleboyina, Bakandritsos, Aristides, Zbořil, Radek
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Nature Publishing Group 13.03.2023; Nature Publishing Group UK; Nature Portfolio
• Subjects: Acidity; Amino acids; Biodiesel fuels; Biofuels; Carbon; Catalysts; Chemicals; Clean technology; Conversion; Diesel; Economics; Fermentation; Fine chemicals; Fossil fuels; Glycerol; Graphene; Low temperature; Room temperature; Selectivity; Supply chains; Taurine; Wastes
• ISSN: 2041-1723; 2041-1723
• DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36602-0

Our dependence on finite fossil fuels and the insecure energy supply chains have stimulated intensive research for sustainable technologies. Upcycling glycerol, produced from biomass fermentation and as a biodiesel formation byproduct, can substantially contribute in circular carbon economy. Here, we report glycerol's solvent-free and room-temperature conversion to high-added-value chemicals via a reusable graphene catalyst (G-ASA), functionalized with a natural amino acid (taurine). Theoretical studies unveil that the superior performance of the catalyst (surpassing even homogeneous, industrial catalysts) is associated with the dual role of the covalently linked taurine, boosting the catalyst's acidity and affinity for the reactants. Unlike previous catalysts, G-ASA exhibits excellent activity (7508 mmol g h ) and selectivity (99.9%) for glycerol conversion to solketal, an additive for improving fuels' quality and a precursor of commodity and fine chemicals. Notably, the catalyst is also particularly active in converting oils to biodiesel, demonstrating its general applicability.