Etherification of glycerol into short-chain polyglycerols over MgAl LDH/CaCO nanocomposites as heterogeneous catalysts to promote circular bioeconomy.

Glycerol is a byproduct from biodiesel production via conventional transesterification processes, representing approximately 10 wt% of the mass of biodiesel produced. Because of increasing biodiesel consumption, the volume of glycerol being produced has grown significantly, leading to a large surplus and, consequently, a dramatic drop in its market value. Thus, the valorization of glycerol into chemicals is a promising pathway toward sustainability in biodiesel industries.