Our dependence on finite fossil fuels and the insecure energy supply chains have stimulated intensive research for sustainable technologies. Upcycling glycerol, produced from biomass fermentation and as a biodiesel formation byproduct, can substantially contribute in circular carbon economy. Here, we report glycerol's solvent-free and room-temperature conversion to high-added-value chemicals via a reusable graphene catalyst (G-ASA), functionalized with a natural amino acid (taurine). Theoretical studies unveil that the superior performance of the catalyst (surpassing even homogeneous, industrial catalysts) is associated with the dual role of the covalently linked taurine, boosting the catalyst's acidity and affinity for the reactants. Unlike previous catalysts, G-ASA exhibits excellent activity (7508 mmol g-1 h-1) and selectivity (99.9%) for glycerol conversion to solketal, an additive for improving fuels' quality and a precursor of commodity and fine chemicals. Notably, the catalyst is also particularly active in converting oils to biodiesel, demonstrating its general applicability.

Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh AU PG Centre Kondakarakam Village Vizianagaram India

Department of Chemistry Faculty of Natural Sciences Matej Bel University Tajovského 40 974 01 Banská Bystrica Slovak Republic

Hybrid Porous Materials Laboratory Department of Chemistry Indian Institute of Technology Jammu Nagrota Bypass Road Jammu Jammu and Kashmir 181221 India

IT4Innovations VŠB Technical University of Ostrava 17 listopadu 2172 15 Ostrava Poruba 70800 Czech Republic

Lepty 14 avenue Pey Berland 33600 Pessac France

Materials Science and Catalysis Division Poornaprajna Institute of Scientific Research Bangalore Rural India

Nanotechnology Centre Centre of Energy and Environmental Technologies VŠB Technical University of Ostrava 17 listopadu 2172 15 Poruba 708 00 Ostrava Czech Republic

Quality Management and Instrumentation Division CSIR Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine Canal Road Jammu Jammu and Kashmir 180001 India

Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute Palacký University in Olomouc Šlechtitelů 27 783 71 Olomouc Czech Republic

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