The Synthesis of Glycerol Carbonate from Glycerol and Carbon Dioxide over Supported CuO-Based Nanoparticle Catalyst

A series of supported CuO-based nanoparticle catalysts were prepared by the impregnation method and used for the synthesis of glycerol carbonate from glycerol and CO₂ in the presence of 2-cyanopyridine as a dehydrant and DMF as a solvent. The effects of supports (activated alumina, silicon dioxide, graphene oxide, graphene, and activated carbon), CuO loading amount, calcination temperature, and reaction parameters on the catalytic activity of the catalyst were investigated in detail. XRD, FTIR, SEM, BET, and CO₂-TPD were used for the characterization of the prepared catalysts. It is found that CuO/Al₂O₃ shows a higher catalytic activity, which depends on the CuO loading amount and calcination temperature. The surface area and number of basic sites of the catalyst exhibit a crucial effect on the catalytic activity of CuO/Al₂O₃. Furthermore, there is a synergistic effect between the catalyst and 2-cyanopyridine where the former has a higher activation ability for glycerol and the latter acts not only as a dehydrant, but also as a promoter for CO₂ activation. Recycling experiments reveal that this catalyst can be reused for at least five cycles without any inactivation. Based on the experiment results and FTIR characterization, a possible reaction mechanism for the carbonylation of glycerol and CO₂ is proposed.