Tomsk State University Researchers Develop Catalyst for Lactic Acid Production from Glycerol
Researchers from the Laboratory of Catalytic Research at the Chemistry Department of Tomsk State University have developed a new catalyst based on organometallic coordination polymers and bimetallic nanoparticles. This catalyst is capable of catalyzing all stages of glycerol cascade transformation for the selective production of lactic acid. This method of producing lactic acid from glycerol has not been previously utilized.
Lactic acid serves multiple industries including food, pharmaceutical, textiles, cosmetology, and the production of biodegradable polymers. It is derived from glycerol, which is a by-product of biofuel production. With the anticipated increase in biofuel production to 23.6 billion liters by 2025, there is a growing need for efficient conversion processes from glycerol to lactic acid.
Current industrial methods for producing lactic acid include a chemical route from acetaldehyde via lactonitrile, and an enzymatic route from carbohydrates. These methods have limitations, such as high costs, environmental concerns, long reaction times, and the production of by-products that complicate isolation and purification of lactic acid.
The research team at Tomsk State University focused on developing a catalytic process that allows for the selective oxidation of glycerol and further conversion of intermediates into lactic acid, minimizing side reactions. The cascade process involves several sequential stages that require different catalysts.
Olga Vodyankina, Doctor of Chemical Sciences, Professor, and Head of the Department of Physical and Colloidal Chemistry at TSU, along with Victoria Torbina, a researcher at the laboratory, led the development of the catalyst. Their research aimed at creating a catalytic system where a series of reactions can occur one after the other, mimicking natural biochemical pathways.
The work was supported by a grant from the Russian Science Foundation (RNF) and has been published in the journal Applied Catalysis A: General. This publication indicates the recognition of the research's contribution to the field of catalysis and its potential practical application in the future.
The development represents a step forward in the creation of catalytic processes for the production of lactic acid from glycerol, offering a potentially more environmentally friendly and efficient alternative to current industrial methods.
