One-step Biobased Green Gasoline Production from Biodiesel Plant Waste Glycerol

This Phase I project aims at converting the biodiesel plant waste crude glycerol to a low cost and high value biobased green gasoline using a novel technology. In biodiesel production, crude glycerol comprises around 10 weight % of the products. Crude glycerolisa waste stream and afinancial and environmental liability in the biodiesel industry. The research in this Phase I study will mainly focus on the technical feasibility of converting the waste crude glycerol tobiobased gasoline. Once this proof of concept is established, the work in Phase II will focus on transferring this glycerol based green gasoline production technology from the bench-scale to a pilot plant andproducing biobased gasoline for engine performance testing. The development of a highly efficient andcost-effective one-step process for high value biobased gasoline production from waste glycerol is of significant importance to realize the goal of a diverse and cost-effective integrated biorefinery. It will have significant implications for biodiesel plants, the petroleum industry, and end users. This technology will also expedite the substitution of petroleum gasoline with domestically produced alternative fuel and reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil imports.