Glycerol upgrading to diglycerols in the presence of basic (Na+ or Cs+) ion-exchanged (FAU or BEA) zeolite catalysts was studied in a liquid-phase batch rector at 260 degrees C under normal pressure. Homogeneous NaHCO3 and CsHCO3 catalysts were studied for comparison. All the catalysts, including NaHCO3 and CsHCO3, displayed the same conversion-selectivity relationship. The selectivity to linear diglycerols decreased at higher conversions/reaction times owing to the consecutive formation of higher oligomers, with preferential further conversion of alpha,alpha'-diglycerol. The maximum yield of linear diglycerols was limited to about 30 %. The activities of the zeolites followed the order X>Y>Beta, independent of the alkali ion present. Catalysis by the zeolites starts with an induction period attributed to a slow leaching of alkaline cations from the zeolite. Thereafter, the reaction is characterized by a progressive loss of the microporous structure of the zeolite and increasing overlap of heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysis, where, primarily, the activity depends on the cation content of the zeolite.