Alcohol Mixtures Research Articles

Poly(vinyl alcohol)/Chitosan Hydrogel Containing Gallic Acid-Modified Fe, Cu, and Zn Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs): Preparation, Characterization, and Biological Applications.

Hydrogel composites are water-swollen and three-dimensional materials that have been investigated for various biological applications, including controlled drug delivery and tissue engineering, owing to the similarity between their mechanical, electrical, and chemical properties with biological tissues. The hydrogel composites can provide a superior replication of living tissue compared to their single components. In this regard, Fe-BTC, Cu-BTC, and Zn-BTC MOFs were synthesized and modified with gallic acid (GA). The MOFs-based hydrogel composites (M-BTC-GA@PVA-CS) were finally fabricated by freezing-thawing the as-synthesized MOFs, gallic acid, chitosan, and poly(vinyl alcohol) mixture. The obtained hydrogels were characterized using techniques such as FTIR, XRD, UV-vis, SEM, EDS, and TEM. Additionally, their antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus and biocompatibility were investigated. The results showed that the surface modification of M-BTC MOFs with GA improves the antibacterial performance of hydrogels and increases their biocompatibility and cell viability. Among the as-prepared M-BTC MOF-based composites, the Cu-BTC MOF-loaded hydrogels showed the highest antibacterial activity. In contrast, the lowest antibacterial effect was observed for the hydrogels with Fe-BTC MOFs. Furthermore, the H&E staining exhibited improved vascularization in Zn-BTC-GA@PVA-CS and Cu-BTC-GA@PVA-CS scaffolds compared to the Fe-BTC-GA@PVA-CS hydrogel. These MOFs-loaded hydrogels may be suitable for utilization in biological applications such as skin treatment, drug delivery, and cosmetics owing to their excellent antibacterial activity and low cytotoxicity.

A Fast and Cost-Effective Electronic Nose Model for Methanol Detection Using Ensemble Learning

Methanol, commonly used to cut costs in the production of counterfeit alcohol, is extremely harmful to human health, potentially leading to severe outcomes, including death. In this study, an electronic nose system was designed using 11 inexpensive gas sensors to detect the proportion of methanol in an alcohol mixture. A total of 168 odor samples were taken and analyzed from eight types of ethanol–methanol mixtures prepared at different concentrations. Only 4 features out of 264 were selected using the feature selection method based on feature importance. These four features were extracted from the data of MQ-3, MQ-4, and MQ-137 sensors, and the classification process was carried out using the data of these sensors. A Voting Classifier, an ensemble model, was used with Linear Discriminant Analysis, Support Vector Machines, and Extra Trees algorithms. The Voting Classifier achieved 85.88% classification accuracy before and 81.85% after feature selection. With its cost effectiveness, fast processing time, and practicality, the recommended system shows great potential for detecting methanol, which threatens human health in counterfeit drink production.

Dielectric relaxation study of pyridine-n-propyl alcohol mixture using time domain reflectometry technique

ABSTRACT The Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) technique was used to analyse the complex permittivity spectra of the Pyridine-n-propyl alcohol mixture across the concentration and temperature range of 10–25°C. The Cole-Davidson model was used to match the Pyridine- n-propyl alcohol complex permittivity spectra. The nonlinear least squares fit approach has been used to obtain the Static dielectric constant (ε0), Relaxation time (τ), Effective Kirkwood correlation factor (geff) Excess permittivity ε 0 E , Thermodynamic parameters (activation enthalpy and activation entropy), and Bruggeman factor (fB). Furthermore, the analysis of excess characteristics and the Bruggeman factor points towards the presence of hydrogen bonding between the pyridine and n-propyl alcohol molecules.

Optimization of the DNA isolation procedure for assessing the genetic diversity of essential oil roses (Rosa L.)

Background. High content of organic compounds that worsen nucleic acid purification in aromatic plants, as well as the use of such toxic substances as phenol and mercaptoethanol in many protocols for plant DNA isolation, make it advisable to take the above disadvantages into account when optimizing the DNA extraction technique for the work with essential oil rose plants. Material and methods. Rose accessions from the Crimean Federal University’s Botanical Garden, and those from the collection held by the Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea were included in the study. DNA extraction was done according to a modified CTAB protocol. Effectiveness of the technique was assessed using spectrophotometry, horizontal electrophoresis, and ISSR-PCR. Results. DNA preparations extracted with the modified technique were well visualized on the electropherogram and demonstrated high spectrophotometric values. DNA content was twice as high in preparations isolated with an extraction buffer with PVP, compared to a PVP-free buffer. The concentration was also higher in DNA extracts from stems than that from leaves. Purity parameters expressed by the absorption ratios at wavelengths A260/280 and A260/230 were again higher for DNA extracts from stems isolated with an enriched buffer, the A260/230 ratio falling within the normal range only in DNA extracted from stems in the presence of PVP. Besides, DNA extracts were effectively purified from proteins without phenol or mercaptoethanol, due to double rinsing with a chloroform/isoamyl alcohol (24 : 1) mixture. Conclusion. Using rose stem tissues as the research material, adding 2% PVP to the extraction buffer, and twofold rinsing with a chloroform/isoamyl alcohol mixture made it possible to obtain DNA extracts with high concentrations and purity indices within normal ranges suitable for the ISSR analysis of essential oil rose genetic diversity.

Extractive Distillation of Isobutyl Alcohol and Isobutyl Acetate Using Dimethyl Sulfoxide: Process Design and Intensification

AbstractWe have designed a separation process of isobutyl alcohol (52.0 mol%) and isobutyl acetate (48.0 mol%) mixture using conventional extractive distillation (ED) and extractive dividing‐wall column (E‐DWC) with the solvent dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The binary mixture exhibits a minimum boiling azeotrope that is sensitive to pressure. Thermodynamic analyses have shown that the vacuum pressures work better compared to the atmospheric pressure when DMSO is the solvent. Based on the separation with a purity of 99.9 mol%, the E‐DWC process has resulted in 9.6 % and 4.8 % reductions in the total annual cost and CO2 emission rates, respectively, in comparison to the conventional method. After further intensification using the heat pump technique, the E‐DWC process with the solvent DMSO has provided more than 40.0 % reduction in energy consumption compared to the ED systems studied in the literature using the solvents butyl propionate and dimethylformamide.

Acute effect of the novel cadaver fixation and storage solution -Anatomical-biomechanical-microbiological study

Cadaver education is a golden standard in health sciences. It is aimed to purify the cadavers from microbes by subjecting them to chemicals and to be used for many years by terminating autolysis. As a result of literature searches, a solution consisting of a mixture of borax, nitrite-nitrate, glycerin, alcohol, and thyme oil was created. While seven sheep hearts were placed in this solution, seven were kept in 10% formaldehyde for two months for fixation and storage. At the end of the first ten days, it was observed that the discoloration of the heart in the solution was lower than the formalin fixation. In histological examinations, it was observed that there was no visual difference between the groups and the tissue could be examined at all magnifications. At the end of two months, insignificant microbial growth observed in the solution. While color changes were better than formaldehyde, texture profile analysis values were found to be closer to fresh heart. In histological examinations, in the solution group, although the tissue could be recognized at all magnifications, it was observed that cell nuclei were less stained at x100. It was concluded that this solution can be used mainly in short-term courses.

Thermo physical, spectroscopic and computational investigation of binary liquid mixtures at various temperatures and correlation with the Jouyban–Acree model (allyl alcohol, ethanoic acid, propanoic acid, and butanoic acid)

ABSTRACT The intermolecular interactions between allyl alcohol + short carboxylic acids (ethanoic acid, propanoic acid, and butanoic acid) binary liquid systems were studied both at the macro- and microscopic levels using a combined experimental and computational methodology. Thermo-physical properties of allyl alcohol and short carboxylic acids binary mixtures are studied at ambient atmospheric pressure over the entire composition range and at T= (303.15 K − 313.15 K). In the present study, the calculated excess/deviation properties are discussed in terms of molecular interactions of binary mixtures. The existence of the hydrogen bonding in the binary mixtures of allyl alcohol + short carboxylic acids were further confirmed by high level theoretical calculation, namely, the density functional theory (DFT-B3LYP) of 6–311++G (d,p) basis set was used to study the geometries, bond characteristics, interaction energies and of the hydrogen bonded complexes in gas phase were investigated via quantum chemical calculations

Синтез 5-амино-3-арил-1H-пиразол-4-карбонитрилов на основе гидразинов или бензгидразидов в условиях ультразвуковой активации

Pyrazoles containing amino and carbonitrile groups have a wide range of biological activities, including antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, antitumor, antioxidant, and are used to create pesticides and dyes. Also, these compounds are synthons for the preparation of various polyheterocyclic compounds. New potentially biologically active 5-amino-3-aryl-1H-pyrazole-4-carbonitriles containing pharmacophoric substituents have been obtained via three-component condensation reactions of malonic dinitrile with substituted aromatic aldehydes and benzhydrazides or hydrazines. This work considers the limits of applicability of hydrazines and hydrazides as weak nucleophiles in similar processes. The described target compounds have been synthesized using the «green chemistry» approach under ultrasonic activation in water or a mixture of water and isopropyl alcohol in the presence of triethylamine as base catalyst. The applicability of this environmentally friendly, economical and efficient approach for the synthesis of nitrogen-unsubstituted (7, 8) and N-aryl- (4, 6) or N-aroyl-substituted (1–3) pyrazole-4-carbonitriles has been demonstrated. The target pyrazole-4-carbonitrile (2) is formed and Schiff base (2’) is released as a by-product in the reaction of the weak binucleophile 3-nitrobenzhydrazide with 4-benzyloxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde and malonic dinitrile. Step-by-step syntheses have shown that the initial reaction of a three-component interaction can be either croton condensation or the formation of a Schiff base. In any case, during subsequent heterocyclization, unstable substituted pyrazolines are formed, which aromatize to the target pyrazoles in the presence of atmospheric oxygen under synthesis conditions. The composition and structure of the products have been confirmed by elemental analysis, NMR 1H, 13C spectroscopy, HSQC, and HMBC heteronuclear correlations.

A tray-by-tray method for the conceptual design of dividing wall columns

Dividing wall columns (DWCs) are intensified units that may lower capital costs, generate energy savings, and reduce the environmental impact with respect to the use of conventional distillation systems. In this work, a tray-by-tray method to design DWCs is developed. Applications to three case studies dealing with the separation of aromatics, linear alkanes and alcohols mixtures are presented. The validation of the conceptual designs with rigorous simulations in Aspen Plus showed the effectiveness of the conceptual design method.

Deciphering the role of plasticizers and solvent systems in hydrophobic polymer coating on hydrophilic core

The type of plasticizer and the choice of solvent or co-solvents used for coating of a hydrophilic core can greatly impact the permeability, porosity, and mechanical strength of the polymer film. Although, Ethylcellulose (EC) is an old polymer, it is a polymer of choice for modifying the drug release due to its inherent properties. The ability of polymers like EC alone to form a diffusion-controlling membrane with good mechanical properties is limited. To modulate the drug release as per the desired profile and modify the film properties, ethylcellulose is often used with hydrophilic hypromellose (HPMC) along with plasticizers. The main focus of the current study was the identification of an appropriate solvent system and plasticizer for the ethylcellulose-hypromellose polymer combination. The study evaluated the coating solution properties, the feasibility and efficiency of the process, the physical attributes of the tablet, the surface properties of the polymer film, the in-vitro drug release and behavior, and the impact of curing time on surface properties and drug release, among other factors.The isopropyl alcohol-water mixture (9:1) produced a homogeneous film in comparison to films produced by other solvents. Although both hydrophilic and hydrophobic plasticizers produce homogeneous films, hydrophilic plasticizers have a higher rate of drug diffusion than hydrophobic plasticizers. During the tablet curing and stability study, the drug release from the polymeric film coating with triethyl citrate decreased moderately and with polyethylene glycol decreased significantly. The presence of hydrophobic plasticizers, viz., dibutyl sebacate and acetyl tributyl citrate, in the polymeric film coating does not impact drug release. For the combination of ethylcellulose and hypromellose, it was found that a mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water (9:1) worked better as a solvent for coating solutions, and hydrophobic plasticizers lower the risk associated with coating ethylcellulose and hypromellose together.

Identifying the botanical origin of alcohol using 2H SNIF NMR: A case study of “polish vodka” PGI

In this study, we utilized 2H SNIF NMR and chemometric techniques to differentiate the botanical origin of raw materials used in vodka production in Poland, specifically focusing on plants with C3 metabolism such as grain, potato, and sugar beet. Additionally, for the first time, mixtures of alcohols from different C3 plants were analysed to detect adulteration. Our goal was to determine if it is possible to detect the addition of a different raw material in vodka made from a mixture of alcohols derived from C3 plants. Significant isotopic differences were confirmed using analysis of variance and Tukey's tests. Linear relationships in grain-potato, grain-sugar beet, and beet-potato mixtures enabled composition determination. The detectability threshold for adulterants ranged from 10 % to 50 %, depending on the type of raw material. Our findings suggest that 2H SNIF-NMR is an effective tool for authenticating vodka and detecting adulteration in products marketed as “Polish vodka.”

Rapid-response nanofiber films against ammonia based on black wolfberry anthocyanins, polyvinyl alcohol and sodium alginate for intelligent packaging

To develop novel intelligent indicator films, the mixture of anthocyanin (BWA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and sodium alginate (SA) were spun into PVA/SA/BWA nanofiber films with BWA concentration of 0 %, 5 %, 10 %, and 15 % (based on PVA and SA) via electrospinning technology. The results showed that the BWA was sensitive to pH and was controlled release from films. With increasing BWA concentration, the fiber diameter, tensile strength, and elongation at break gradually decreased, while water contact angle, thickness, moisture content, and antioxidant properties gradually increased. The electrospinning films exhibited high sensitivity to ammonia with rapid color changes in 1 s and excellent color reversibility and color stability within 21 d. The application for shrimp packaging showed that the colorimetric response of the films was closely related to the changes in pH, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), and total viable count (TVC) of shrimp. This suggests that the prepared films are promising in application for intelligent packaging.

Production Sericin/Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) Blend Membranes Containing One‐Step Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles by UV Radiation for Obtaining Versatile Antibacterial Materials

AbstractIn this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were in‐situ synthesized in silk sericin/poly(vinyl alcohol) (SS/PVA) mixtures by an easy one‐step synthesis method with the presence of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Then, the SS/PVA composite membranes containing AgNPs were obtained by solvent casting method. The chemical structures of the membranes were investigated by fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and results showed that the membranes were a mixture of silk sericin and PVA. The morphological features of the membranes were investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) and it was seen that AgNPs containing membranes have heterogeneous structures. Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis revealed that the membranes contain carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur and silver. X‐ray diffractometer (XRD) and thermogravimetric (TGA) analyses also proved the presence of AgNPs in the structure of membranes. The antibacterial activities of membranes containing AgNPs were investigated on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria with disk diffusion test and liquid culture medium incubation. It was found that SS/PVA membranes containing 5 and 10 mM AgNPs have quite high antibacterial activity on both types of bacteria. The functional SS/PVA membranes have capacity to be used in biomedical applications such as wound care materials.

Performance analysis of precooling systems for cryogenic carbon capture: A comparative study of theoretical, numerical, and experimental methods

The urgency of addressing climate change has necessitated innovative and practical approaches to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Cryogenic Carbon Capture (CCC) technology has emerged as a promising solution for capturing CO2 from industrial emissions. This study investigates a simplified design for a precooling system within CCC technology, focusing on optimizing the efficiency and reliability of the system while minimizing energy consumption. The research examines the effects of CO2 concentration in a gas mixture (simulated flue gas, nitrogen and carbon dioxide), cooling bath temperature, and gas mixture flow rate on the performance of heat exchangers in the precooling system. Theoretical, numerical, and experimental analyses were conducted to assess the system's performance. The use of liquid nitrogen at −196 °C in the cooling bath was found unsuitable due to CO2 freezing within the pipes. Instead, a mixture of dry ice and isopropyl alcohol at −78.5 °C proved effective in maintaining consistent temperature and pressure conditions without causing CO2 blockages. Numerical simulations highlighted the importance of optimizing pipe length to balance temperature control and pressure dynamics, with a 140 cm pipe length identified as optimal for heat exchanger design. Experimental results revealed that longer pipes enhance cooling performance due to increased heat exchange surface area, while higher CO2 compositions and flow rates result in higher outlet temperatures and pressures. The study emphasizes the need for further research and simulation work to refine heat exchanger designs for industrial applications, aiming to develop systems that maximize cooling efficiency while ensuring reliable operation.

Fabrication and characterization of polyvinyl alcohol-chitosan composite nanofibers for carboxylesterase immobilization to enhance the stability of the enzyme

Electrospinning stands out as a flexible and viable method, presenting designed nanoscale materials with customized properties. This research demonstrates the immobilization of carboxylesterase protein Ha006a, reported for its adequacy in pesticide bioremediation by utilizing the electrospinning strategy. This strategy was utilized to create nanofibers by incorporating variable mixtures of biodegradable and cost-effective polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-chitosan (CS) nanofiber solution (PVA100, PVA96, PVA94, PVA92 and PVA90). All the mixtures were electrospun at a reliable voltage of 21 kV, maintaining a gap of 12 cm from the nozzle. The Ha006a, sourced from Helicoverpa armigera, was consolidated into the optimized PVA90 polymer mixture. The electrospun nanofibers experienced comprehensive characterization utilizing distinctive microscopy and spectroscopy procedures counting FESEM, TGA, XRD and FTIR. The comparative investigation of the esterase property, ideal parameters and stability of the unbound and bound/immobilized Ha006a was scrutinized. The results uncovered an essential elevation in the ideal conditions of enzyme activity post-immobilization. The PVA-CS control nanofiber and Ha006a-PVA-CS showed a smooth structure, including an average breadth of around 170.5 ± 44.2 and 222.5 ± 66.5 nm, respectively. The enzyme-immobilized nanofibers displayed upgraded stability and comprehensive characterization of the nanofiber, which guaranteed genuineness and reproducibility, contributing to its potential as a potent device for bioremediation applications. This investigation opens the way for the manufacture of pesticide-resistant insect enzyme-based nanofibers, unlocking their potential for assorted applications, counting pesticide remediation and ensuring environmental sustainability.

Photovoltaic panel cooling with new composite of phase change materials and hierarchical nanoparticles

In this research, the use of a new type of phase change materials (PCM) and hierarchical nanoparticles is discussed to improve the electrical and thermal efficiency of PV panels. TiO2/CuO hierarchical nanoparticles are synthesized by hydrothermal method, and PCMs containing nanoparticles (2.5–10%wt) are prepared, and then experiments are performed in indoor conditions under solar simulator light. The PV panel with a maximum nominal power of 30W is used. The new PCM is made from a mixture of lauryl alcohol and beeswax (LABW). A spiral heat exchanger is placed in the PCM container, in which the flow rate of cool water is variable (m˙ = 0.002–0.01 kg s−1). Firstly, the temperature and voltage-current changes of the PV panel with time are investigated without using PCMs as a reference case, and in steady-state conditions, the temperature and output power values are 67.34 °C and 22.33W. The use of LABW compared to pure beeswax leads to a significant decrease in the PV panel temperature and as a result, an increase in its electrical and thermal efficiency. Also, adding nanoparticles to PCMs from 2.5 % to 7.5 %wt due to the improvement of their thermal conductivity and increasing the heat storage rate of the PV panel leads to an increase in its electrical and thermal efficiency. There is no significant change to decrease the temperature and increase the production capacity of PV panels by increasing the percentage of nanoparticles from 7.5 % to 10%wt. The maximum production power, electrical and thermal efficiency of the PV panel at a flow rate of 0.01 kg s−1, 10%wt of nanoparticles, and a radiation intensity of 1000 W m−2 are 28.92 W, 12.55 %, and 76.67 %, respectively.

The Influence of Pore-Forming Diluents on Porous Structure, Thermal and Sorption Properties of the Divinylbenzene and Glycidyl Methacrylate Copolymers.

The aim of this work was the characterization of polymer microspheres obtained by the suspension polymerization of divinylbenzene (DVB) and glycidyl methacrylate (GMA), depending on the pore-forming diluents and molar ratio of monomers. The assessed properties included the chemical and porous structure, thermal stability, and sorption capacity of the obtained polymers towards methylene blue. The abovementioned characteristic was carried out for two series of copolymers with molar ratios of monomers of 1:2, 1:1 and 2:1, synthetized with toluene and a mixture of decanol and benzyl alcohol. The structure of the polymers was confirmed by FTIR and elemental analysis. The results of TGA demonstrated the main influence on thermal stability was the composition of polymers, whereas the impact of porogens was negligible. The SBET varied in the range of 12-534 m2g-1 for polymers obtained with toluene and 0-396 m2g-1 with the mixture of alcohols. Toluene enhanced the formation of micro- and mesopores, while the mixture of alcohols enhanced the creation of meso- and macropores. For the polymers prepared with toluene, their effectiveness in water purification decreases in the following order: DVB-GMA 2:1 > DVB-GMA 1:1 > DVB-GMA 1:2, according to the decreasing values of porous structure parameters. In the case of a series obtained with a mixture of alcohols, such correlation was not observed.

Comparison of permeability of topical Cream drug through polymer synthetic membranes of different structures using Franz Cell diffusion test

In this study, in-vitro release experiments were performed using a Franz Diffusion Cell system for Terbinafine Hydrochloride, which is used in the treatment of various fungal infections in the skin caused by many susceptible dermatophytes. In order to evaluate TH transdermally, it was aimed to compare the permeability between polymeric membranes synthesized with polyvinyl alcohol and chitosan mixtures and commercial membranes. In the transdermal drug delivery system calculations, the Fick Diffusion Law was modified and the obtained data were compared. The study was evaluated according to the USP <1724> topical drug products in semisolid form - performance tests. A new high-performance liquid chromatography method was validated for the assay of TH released into the receptor medium in accordance with the ICH guideline. According to the results obtained during the validation process, the limit of detection value was calculated as 0.005 µg/mL and the limit of quantification value was 0.013 µg/mL. Since polymer-based synthetic membranes provide permeability according to molecular size, properties and the ideal environment for measuring and analyzing the diffusion rate of a compound, in experiments conducted using membranes of different structures, the permeability profiles of selected polymer synthetic membranes were statistically evaluated. It has been noted that the hydroxyl groups in PVA and the hydrophilic CS-g-PNDMAAm graft copolymer act at varying rates to enhance or reduce the permeability across the membrane by promoting its diffusion. NaY zeolite has been shown to function as an adsorbent against the medication, lessening the impact of hydrophilic PVA without supplying permeability.

New method for rapid detection and simultaneous determination of prohibited adrenergic drugs in sports using thin layer chromatography and image processing

This study presents a new method for simultaneous determination of fenoterol, procaterol, clenbuterol, terbutaline and isoprenaline drugs using thin-layer chromatography assisted by image analysis (HPTLC-IA) combined with sensitive detection modes. Separation of the selected drugs was obtained using HPTLC Silica gel 60 F254 plates and mixture of isopropyl alcohol, ethyl acetate and ammonia (20:25:1.5 v/v/v) as mobile phase. UV detection mode combined with the use of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline)-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS+•) radicals were applied for the first time for sensible detection of the separated drugs. Grey, green, red and blue scales respectively were selected for image analysis and accurate quantification of spot area. According to the obtained result, the use of DPPH• and ABTS+• reagents revealed a higher sensitivity in detection and accurate quantification of the analyzed drugs. Lower limit of detection (LOD = 0.07 ± 0.03 µg/spot; 0.09 ± 0.03 µg/spot and 0.10 ± 0.04 µg/spot) was obtained for fenoterol, procaterol and terbutaline using the ABTS+• radical and red scale selection for image processing. With the exception of isoprenaline, the proposed HPTLC-IA method showed a good separation of fenoterol, procaterol, clenbuterol and terbutaline drugs from other compounds in urine samples. Good recovery was obtained for these drugs in spiked urine samples.

Optimization of crude glycerol purification from grease trap waste biodiesel production: exploring the synergistic effect of mixed extraction alcohols on enhanced glycerol purity

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe purification of crude glycerol, a byproduct of biodiesel production and grease trap waste, is essential for its utilization in high‐value applications. Achieving exceptionally pure glycerol without relying on energy‐intensive vacuum distillation during transesterification is of substantial economic interest.RESULTSThis investigation focuses on crafting a purification process involving chemical treatment (neutralization), adsorption and extraction. The assessment of the neutralization process using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and potassium hydroxide (KOH) revealed their comparative efficacy. Activated carbon adsorption was used to reduce coloration in crude glycerol, with weights set at 4 and 8 wt%. Efficient salt extraction from crude glycerol was explored using solvents such as methanol, ethanol and isopropyl alcohol in varying mass ratios to crude glycerol (1:1 and 2:1). The study also examined the synergistic effects and impact of mixing alcohol solvents. Optimal conditions for achieving high purity (92.44%) were identified as the combination of KOH, 8 wt% activated carbon and a 2:1 ratio of a mixture of the three alcohols.CONCLUSIONThe combined effects of employing a mixture of alcohols significantly enhance the extraction process, resulting in the efficient and successful purification of glycerol. These outcomes offer valuable insights into improving the extraction process in industrial settings, leading to the production of high‐quality glycerol products. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).