Sulphate-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes as catalysts for the esterification of glycerol with acetic acid.

Sulphate-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (S-CNTs) were synthesized by an efficient and convenient method and characterized by FT-IR and TEM methods. Catalytic activities of the S-CNTs were evaluated in the esterification of glycerol with acetic acid at low temperature under atmospheric pressure. The CNTs grafted with sulphate groups show activity and stability in this reaction. The catalyst can be recycled and reused for several times without any significant loss of its catalytic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]