Development of a functional catalytic membrane by alkalization of PVA and green synthesis of fuel additive glycerin carbonate with high oxygen content

Abstract

ABSTRACT Glycerin carbonate with high oxygen content has the potential to be an oxygenated fuel additive that improves fuel properties and reduces harmful gas emissions. Glycerin carbonate was produced from the green solvent dimethyl carbonate and glycerin through a heterogeneous catalytic membrane under environmentally friendly and mild conditions. The PVA/NaOH catalytic membrane was prepared in film form from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymer with good film-forming properties and sodium hydroxide, a strong base. The heterogeneous catalytic membrane obtained by adding sodium hydroxide to the polymer is environmentally friendly with easy recovery. The chemical structure and thermal resistance of the produced catalytic membranes were examined by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and Thermogravimetric analysis. Reaction experiments were carried out in a batch reactor, and the influences of reaction parameters such as time, catalyst amount, DMC/glycerin initial molar ratio, and temperature on the reaction yield were investigated. The maximum glycerin carbonate yield of 93.03% was obtained after 2 h of reaction time, with a NaOH ratio of 7.5% a DMC/Glycerin molar ratio of 3/1, and a reaction temperature of 75°C. Additionally, the influences of reaction variables on glycerin carbonate yield were analyzed and the obtained yield data are supported by the Response surface method (RSM).