UK researchers find better way to produce acrylic acid from glycerol
In the UK, acrylic acid is essential for everyday products – from paints and coatings to absorbent polymers – yet almost all of it is currently made from propylene, a petrochemical. As global biodiesel production rises, so does the supply of low‑value glycerol by‑product, creating an opportunity for cleaner, renewable chemical manufacturing.
In the new study, University of Manchester engineers compared a conventional packed‑bed reactor with an intensified membrane‑assisted system. By feeding oxygen gradually through a porous ceramic membrane, the team achieved better control of the reaction and suppressed unwanted combustion pathways.
Under optimised conditions, the membrane reactor delivered up to 58.7% acrylic‑acid selectivity – a 10‑percent improvement over standard reactor technology. It also helped regulate temperature, reducing hot‑spots and improving reaction stability.
Category: Research
