Lecturer of the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Indonesia (FMIPA UI) Iman Abdullah, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D. successfully obtained funding support for the 2023 Palm Oil Research Grant in the field of bioenergy organized by the Indonesian Palm Oil Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDPKS), with a research proposal entitled "Increasing the Added Value of Glycerol through Dehydration-Oxidation Reactions to Acrylic Acid". This was announced on June 19, 2023, by the Acting Director of Fund Distribution, through the official website of the Indonesian Palm Oil Plantation Fund Management Agency.
"This research aims to develop a Cu/Ag-based heterogeneous catalyst and a glycerol conversion reaction system to obtain optimum reaction conditions, as well as develop the reaction on a larger scale," said Iman to the FMIPA UI public relations team.
The advantage of this research is that Cu-based catalysts have lower production costs than precious metal-based catalysts.
Glycerol is a byproduct of the palm oil industry that has not been optimally utilized. It has a low sales value and is often considered waste. As the world's largest palm oil producer, Indonesia naturally has a significant abundance of glycerol. Therefore, efforts are needed to increase the added value of glycerol, one of which is through its conversion into acrylic acid.
As is well known, acrylic acid is a crucial monomer in the production of various polymers and has a wide range of applications and uses. However, converting glycerol to acrylic acid requires a bifunctional catalyst capable of high yields and selectivity.
This research was conducted over a period of two years, namely from 2023 – 2024. During this period, he and a team consisting of lecturers and researchers from the Department of Chemistry, FMIPA UI, namely Dr. Yuni K. Krisnandi, M.Sc., and Dr. Rahmat Wibowo, M.Sc., will collaborate with a research team from the Center for Energy Conversion and Conservation Research, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), namely Fatimah TresnaPratiwi, S.Si, M.Eng., Maharani Dewi S., ST., M.Sc., Khairil Amri, ST., MT. and Palupi Tri W., ST., M.Eng.Sc. to carry out research activities, namely catalyst preparation and reaction condition studies, and reaction development on a larger scale using a BSTR reactor.
"The conversion reaction of glycerol into acrylic acid which consists of two stages can be carried out in one reactor simultaneously (one pot reaction), the reaction is also carried out under conditions mild,” said Iman explaining his research activities. mild,” kata Iman menjelaskan aktivitas penelitiannya.
Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Indonesia (UI), Dede Djuhana, Ph.D., expressed his appreciation and support for the achievements of his faculty. He also stated, "The innovative research and utilization of technology conducted by our academic community is a manifestation of the active participation of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Indonesia, in developing the nation. Therefore, we hope that the results of this research will be utilized by the palm oil industry, the government, and the community, both as a reference in implementing the development of the palm oil industry and its products, as well as as a regulatory basis for a better sustainability of the palm oil industry."
The Palm Oil Research Grant is a program of the Indonesian Palm Oil Research and Development Agency (BPDPKS) held annually as part of its commitment to advancing the palm oil industry. The BPDPKS's upstream and downstream palm oil research and development program is one of BPDPKS's efforts to strengthen, develop, and enhance the empowerment of national palm oil plantations and industries. The greater the number of research findings provided, the more positive impact Indonesian palm oil products will have on the global market.
