Simultaneous Valorization of CO₂ and Glycerol to High-Value Acids

What is it about?

This study presents a sustainable chemical process that converts two abundant and underused materials—carbon dioxide (CO₂) and glycerol—into valuable products: lactic acid and formic acid. By using a specially engineered catalyst made of nickel oxide supported on zirconia (NiO-ZrO₂), the team achieved a highly efficient, one-pot conversion of CO₂ and glycerol under mild reaction conditions. This simultaneous reaction uses glycerol as a hydrogen source to reduce CO₂, eliminating the need for added hydrogen gas. The resulting acids have broad applications in bioplastics, food additives, and green solvents. The process was optimized through a combination of experimental work and theoretical modeling, and it showed strong performance across multiple reaction cycles.

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Photo by Pawel Czerwinski on Unsplash

Photo by Pawel Czerwinski on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This research shows how waste CO₂ and glycerol can be co-converted into industrially important chemicals using a recyclable, non-noble metal catalyst. Unlike conventional methods, this approach avoids the use of costly hydrogen gas or precious metals and operates under relatively mild conditions. It advances the concept of integrated CO₂ utilization and biomass upcycling in one step. An initial techno-economic assessment further suggests commercial viability, highlighting potential for large-scale implementation in green chemical manufacturing. It is a significant step toward carbon-neutral production of platform chemicals.

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