Dr. Chellapandian Kannan,
Biography
Research Interest
Chellapandian Kannan presently works as a professor and chair of the School of Physical Sciences at Manonmaniam Sundaranar University in Tirunelveli. His teaching and research career spans over 22 years. His areas of expertise include environmental science, green catalysis, and nanoporous solid acid production. He has published over 85 research articles in reputale publications. Two patents were granted and one book was published. Under his guidance 12 Ph. D were awarded
Abstract
A Novel Oxygenated Petrol Synthesis by Nanoporous AlPO4-Tridymite Catalyst at Room Temperature
The increasing demand for renewable energy has spurred biodiesel production via transesterification, resulting in substantial glycerol byproducts. Glycerol is a major by-product in the biodiesel synthesis. Disposal of glycerol is another major issue which restrict the biodiesel production. To convert the glycerol into valuable oxygenated fuel products, etherification with alcohol produces glycerol ether. It is a valuable oxygenated petrol/additive. The conventional method of etherification of glycerol involves above 150?. We have synthesized the glycerol ethers with ethanol at room temperature by Nanoporous AlPO4-Tridymite catalyst. The catalyst has highly active monoclinic crystal system which leads the reaction at room temperature. In addition, ring shaped short pore of the catalyst also support the reaction for producing only ethyl glycerol ether (100%) but there is no formation of diethyl ether. 97% conversion is achieved at 1 hour at room temperature. Thus, the nanoporous AlPO4-Tridymite catalyst is a best catalyst compared to the conventional catalysts for glycerol etherification.
