Valorisation of crude glycerol to value-added products: Perspectives of process technology, economics and environmental issues

Graphical abstract

Highlights

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  Glycerol can be converted to value-added products using different catalytic processes.

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  Optimum process technology for glycerol conversion depends on specific reaction conditions.

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  Sustainability of the products developed depend upon economic output and chemical conversion is preferred.

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  Environmental benefits encourage biochemical routes over chemical routes.

Abstract

The enormous production of glycerol, a waste stream from biodiesel industries, as a low-value product has been causing a threat to both the environment and the economy. Therefore, it needs to be transformed effectively and efficiently into valued products for contributing positively towards the biodiesel economy. It can either be converted directly into competent chemicals or can be used as a feedstock/precursor for deriving valuable derivatives. In this review article, a technical evaluation has been stirred up, various factors and technologies used for producing value-added products from crude glycerol, Environmental and economic aspects of different conversion routes, cost factors and challenges of integration of the different routes for biorefinery have been reviewed and elaborated. There are tremendous environmental benefits in the conversion of crude glycerol via the biochemical route, the product and residue become eco-friendly. However, chemical conversions are faster processes, and economically viable if environmental aspects are partially ignored.