Conversion of glycerol derived from biodiesel production to butanol and 1,3-propanediol

Abstract

Biodiesel is a renewable energy alternative to diesel, and during its production, abundant crude glycerol is generated as a by-product. As a waste product, crude glycerol needs to be treated before disposal. Alternatively, it can be converted into valuable products, such as 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PDO; CH 2(CH 2 OH) 2 and butanol (C4 H9 OH)). The present chapter focuses on the utilization of microbes for the production of 1,3-PDO and butanol from crude glycerol. Pathways associated with the production of 1,3-PDO and butanol, and characteristics of and impurities in crude glycerol, are highlighted. In addition, applications of 1,3-PDO,butanol, and the downstream purification and recovery processes are examined. Finally, challenges and future research perspectives on the production and application of 1,3-PDO and butanol are also noted.