Lecturer of Chemistry Department, FMIPA UI Receives 2023 Palm Oil Research Grant Funding

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 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, via the official website of the Palm Oil Plantation Fund Management Agency.

"This research aims to develop a heterogeneous catalyst based on Cu/Ag and a glycerol conversion reaction system to obtain optimum reaction conditions, as well as the development of reactions on a larger scale," said Iman to the FMIPA UI public relations team.

The advantage of this research is that the Cu-based catalyst has a cheaper production cost than precious metal-based catalysts.

Glycerol is a derivative product of the palm oil industry which until now has not been utilized optimally, glycerol has a low selling value, or is even considered waste. With Indonesia's position as the largest palm oil producer in the world, of course the abundance of glycerol from the palm oil industry in Indonesia is also very large. Therefore, efforts are needed to increase the added value of glycerol, one of which is through conversion into acrylic acid.

As is known, acrylic acid is a very important monomer in the manufacture of various types of polymers, and has wide applications and uses. However, to be able to convert glycerol into acrylic acid, a bifunctional catalyst is needed that is able to provide a high percentage yield and selectivity.

This research was carried out over a period of two years, namely from 2023 - 2024. During that 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 of the 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 conduct research activities, namely catalyst preparation and reaction condition studies, and reaction development on a larger scale using the BSTR reactor.

"The conversion reaction of glycerol to acrylic acid consisting 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.

Dean of FMIPA UI Dede Djuhana, Ph.D. gave his appreciation and support for the achievements of his academic community. He also said, "Innovative research and the use of technology carried out by our academic community is a form of active participation of FMIPA UI in building the country. So we hope that the results of this research can later be utilized by the palm oil industry, government, and society, both as a reference in implementing the development of the palm oil industry and its products and as a regulatory basis for a better sustainability of the palm oil industry,"

Palm Oil Research Grant is one of the BPDPKS programs that is carried out routinely every year as a commitment to improving the progress of the palm oil industry. The palm oil plantation research and development program from upstream to downstream aspects developed by BPDPKS is one of BPDPKS' efforts to strengthen, develop and improve the empowerment of national palm oil plantations and industries. The more research results provided will have a positive impact on Indonesian palm oil products in the global market.

News source : https://sci.ui.ac.id/