Transformation Of Glycerol To High-Value Chemicals Using Ceria Based Catalysts: A Selective Hydrogenation Roadmap

This thesis aims to develop a conceptual design for the production of high-value chemicals from glycerol via an integrated system of selective hydrogenation with on-site glycerol reforming. A series of spatial and temporal advanced characterization techniques (i.e., Synchrotron infrared, Synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction, High-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy, Atomic force microscopy, and In-situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) have been adopted to reveal the existence and superior performance of the developed Cu/CeO2 and PtCu/CeO2 single atom alloy catalysts. Lastly, through the technical, economic, and environmental analyses, the conceptual design is found to be more sustainable as compared to conventional fossil fuel-based pathways.