Showing papers on "Transesterification published in 2023"

A Review on Biodiesel Production

Abstract: The current focus on renewable energy as a means of mitigating carbon footprint and emission of greenhouse gases has gathered momentum over the years. Biodiesel is one of the promising alternatives for the replacement of the conventional diesel. Currently about 36 billion liters of biodiesel has been produced globally by different countries using various feedstock such as edible oils, non-edible oils, algae oil, genetically modified microbes and waste sludge oils. Several techniques such as direct blending, microemulsion, thermal cracking and transesterification etc, have been used for production of biodiesel from various feedstock. The measure of the effectiveness of any technique depends on ease of operability and the percentage yield obtained at the end of the production process. Economic feasibility studies and life cycle assessment of biodiesel showed positive outcome indicating that biodiesel production and utilization is viable and sustainable.

Immobilization of lipase on the graphene oxides magnetized with NiFe2O4 nanoparticles for biodiesel production from microalgae lipids

Abstract: Candida rugosa lipase was immobilized on graphene oxides magnetized with NiFe2O4 nanoparticles (NiFe2O4-GO) and used for the transesterification of algal lipids. The VSM, FE-SEM, EDS, and FTIR analyses were done to investigate the features of nanoparticles, graphene oxide, and synthesized magnetic nanobiocatalyst. These tests confirmed the successful immobilization of Candida rugosa lipase on the base. Immobilization was caused via interfacial activation on hydrophobic supports. The lipase immobilization process was studied using different enzyme concentrations (30–160 µg/ml) at different incubation times (1–5 h). It was found that 100 µg/ml enzyme concentration (3.3 mg supports/ml solution) for 2 h incubation time were the best conditions which led to the immobilization efficiency of 78%. The results revealed that in comparison to the free enzyme, the immobilized enzyme is more thermal and pH resistant; it could retain 70% of its initial activity at 60 °C and lose only 20% at pH 9. Immobilized lipase retained 47% of its initial activity after 6 cycles of hydrolysis at 37 °C and pH 7, demonstrating its reusability and resistance. Biodiesel production efficiency was obtained 80% and 68% when using free and immobilized lipase as biocatalysts, respectively.

Magnetic solid catalysts for sustainable and cleaner biodiesel production: A comprehensive review

Abstract: Biodiesel has attracted widespread attention as a potential alternative energy source to fossil-derived fuels. The application of heterogeneous catalysts for biodiesel production can offer an environmentally-friendly more attractive process for sustainable and cleaner production requirement. Small-sized heterogeneous catalysts generally show better activities due to their higher surface area and less mass transfer limitation. However, the separation of theses solid catalysts is particularly difficult; and the serious mass loss during the separation process together with more time- and energy-consumption precludes their practical utilization especially for high viscosity reaction mixtures. Magnetic solid catalysts have recently become the research hotpot for the transesterification and esterifications for biodiesel production, because of their easy separation with minimal mass loss by an external magnetic field. In this review, various magnetic solid catalysts, including magnetic solid acid, alkali, enzyme and acidic-basic bi-functional catalysts were introduced. The catalyst preparation, catalytic performances, reaction mechanism, and recyclability of the catalysts and their influential parameters with some justifications are discussed from previous literatures to the field of interest, mainly focusing on the influence of active species, surface properties and their synergisms on the catalytic performances. For achieving the goal of good progress in efficient biodiesel production, the evaluation of the present research state, the challenge faced by the magnetic catalysts and future development trend are put forward. Possible reaction mechanisms for different types of the catalysts are also presented, giving some critical guidance in the design of magnetic solid catalysts. Finally, the key influential parameters on the catalytic performances as well as current challenges and future perspectives are provided for further improvement. • Frontline magnetic solid catalysts are explored in biodiesel production. • Influential parameters with some justifications are extensively discussed. • Current challenges and opportunities for future research are highlighted.

Production of biodiesel fuel from vegetable raw materials

Abstract: One way to reduce the amount of harmful emissions from diesel fuel could be the replacement of part of the fuel with biofuel. Research is related to the production of biodiesel fuel in three ways: transesterification of vegetable oils; esterification of fat acids extracted from vegetable oil; and hydroprocessing of vegetable oils using catalysts in the diesel hydrotreatment process. Food and non-food oils, monatomic and diatomic alcohols were used to produce biodiesel fuel. Optimal parameters of vegetable oil transesterification have been determined: temperature; raw material ratio (oil/alcohol); mixing speed; time; type of process catalyst. The characteristics of the obtained biodiesel fuel samples were studied and compared with each other as well as with the requirements of EN 14214 “Automotive fuels. Fat acid methyl ethers for diesel engines. General technical requirements” and EN 590:2009 “EURO diesel fuel. Technical specifications”. With regard to the physical and chemical characteristics of biodiesel fuel, the best way to produce it is by transesterification of vegetable oils. However, all fuels can be used as components of a blended environmentally friendly diesel fuel.

Sustainable Production of Biodiesel from Novel Non-Edible Oil Seeds (Descurainia sophia L.) via Green Nano CeO2 Catalyst

Abstract: The current study focuses on the synthesis of Cerium oxide (CeO2) nanocatalyst via Tragacanth Gum (TG) using the wet impregnation method and its application for sustainable biodiesel production from a novel, non-edible Descurainia sophia (L.) Webb ex Prantl seed oil. The D. sophia seed oil has higher oil content (36 wt%) and free fatty acid (FFA) value (0.6 mg KOH/g). Innovative analytical methods, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, were used to characterize the newly synthesized, environmentally friendly, and recyclable CeO2-TG phytonanocatalyst (FT-IR). The results show that the CeO2-TG phytonanocatalyst was 22 nm in diameter with a spherical shape outer morphology, while the inner structure was hexagonal. Due to low FFA content, the D. sophia seed oil was pretreated and transesterified via a single step. Using varying parameters, the optimized process variables were determined via Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The optimum process values were 8:1 methanol to oil molar ratio, 0.3 wt% catalyst concentration, 90 °C temperature, and reaction time of 210 min with 98% biodiesel yield. The recently created phytonanocatalyst was reliable and effective, with three times reusability in the transesterification reaction. Thin layer chromatography (TLC), FT-IR, gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (GCMS), and Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses were used to characterize the synthesized biodiesel. Physico-chemical properties of D. sophia biodiesel, i.e., Kinematic viscosity (4.23 mm2/s), density (0.800 kg/m3), pour point (−7 °C), cloud point (−12 °C), and flash point (73.5 °C) agree well with international biodiesel standards (ASTM-6751, 951), (EU-14214), and China (GB/T 20828) standards. The results show that the synthesized nanocatalyst demonstrated remarkable stability, indicating a bright future for industrial biodiesel production from low-cost feedstock.

Biodiesel from Rapeseed and Sunflower Oil: Effect of the Transesterification Conditions and Oxidation Stability

Abstract: In this study, we produced biodiesel fuel from two vegetal sources, rapeseed oil and sunflower oil, by transesterification reaction. The study aims to evaluate the impact of type of alcohol, its concentration and the reaction time, while keeping constant the temperature and the catalyst on the yield and quality of the biodiesel. For alcohol, methanol and ethanol were used at a molar ratio with the oil from 3 to 24. Transesterification was performed at various reaction times; 20, 40, 60 and 90 min for each oil and defined alcohol:oil molar ratio. The influence of these parameters on the biodiesel yield and properties were investigated in terms of density, viscosity, heating value, flash point, elemental content, density and oxidative stability of the final product. The benefit of oxidation stabilizers, catechol and 4-allyl-2,6-dimethoxyphenol was investigated. Results demonstrate that for rapeseed oil, the optimum reaction conditions to obtain a higher yield and quality of biodiesel were an alcohol:oil molar ratio of 15:1, with 60-min reaction time at 50 °C; while in the case of sunflower oil, the best yield and biodiesel quality were at an 18:1 molar ratio, with a 40-min reaction time and at 50 °C. In both cases, methanol provides the highest yields of biodiesel, and the obtained products satisfy the required standards and present a similarity with mineral diesel tested in same conditions.

Transesterification of Algae Oil and Little Amount of Waste Cooking Oil Blend at Low Temperature in the Presence of NaOH

Abstract: The present study describes the single-step transesterification method of biodiesel production from high free fatty acid (FFA) waste cooking oil blended with algae oil using a homogeneous base catalyst. Due to high FFA contents, two step transesterification is needed to convert oil into biodiesel and therefore the high FFA content of waste cooking oil is decreased by blending it with low FFA content algae oil, which would further lead only to single step transesterification of low FFA oil. The design and optimization studies were conducted using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The box-Behnken design technique is applied to optimize the three process parameters, i.e., catalyst concentration (0–2 wt.%), methanol concentration (v/v) (20–60%) and reaction time (60–180 min) at a uniform reaction temperature of 50 °C. The result of the current study indicates that an effective biodiesel yield of 92% can be obtained at the optimized condition of catalyst concentration of 1.5% (w/w), methanol/oil ratio of 21:1 and reaction time of 110 min at a constant reaction temperature of 50 °C. This analysis clearly shows that this study can resolve the storage problem of high FFA oils from different feedstock and RSM can be successfully used to model the reaction to maximize the biodiesel yield.

Modified Calcium Oxide Nanoparticles Derived from Oyster Shells for Biodiesel Production from Waste Cooking Oil

Abstract: SiO2np derived from rice husk were chemically connected to the surface of modified Calcium Oxide (CaO) in a straightforward manner to produce fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) from waste cooking oil (WCO) with great efficiency. After 3 h at a reaction temperature of 80° C, it was discovered that WCO could produce 97.8% yield of the FAME of the modified CaO, which is much greater than the yield of 83.5% over unmodified CaO under the same reaction circumstances. The results showed that following modification, well-dispersed CaO with relatively tiny particle sizes and large surface areas was produced. Additionally, the changed CaO with very little Ca(OH)2 is produced during the modification process. The use of leftover modified CaO-nanoparticles as a heterogeneous transesterification catalyst has been identified after fourteen cycles.

Enabling Catalysts for Biodiesel Production via Transesterification

Abstract: With the rapid development of industry and the increasing demand for transportation, traditional sources of energy have been excessively consumed. Biodiesel as an alternative energy source has become a research focus. The most common method for biodiesel production is transesterification, in which lipid and low carbon alcohol are commonly used as raw materials, in the presence of a catalyst. In the process of transesterification, the performance of the catalyst is the key factor of the biodiesel yield. This paper reviews the recent research progress on homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts in biodiesel production. The advantages and disadvantages of current homogeneous acid catalysts and homogeneous base catalysts are discussed, and heteropolyacid heterogeneous catalysts and biomass-derived base catalysts are described. The applications of the homogeneous and heterogeneous catalyst derivatives ionic liquids/deep eutectic solvents and nanocatalysts/magnetic catalysts in biodiesel production are reviewed. The mechanism and economic cost of current homogeneous acid catalysts and homogeneous base catalysts are also analyzed. The unique advantages of each type of catalyst are compared to better understand the microscopic details behind biodiesel. Finally, some challenges of current biodiesel catalysts are summarized, and future research directions are presented. This review will provide general and in-depth knowledge on the achievements, directions, and research priorities in developing novel homogeneous/heterogeneous catalysts for the green and cost-effective production of biodiesel.

Self‐Healing and Recyclable Polymer Electrolyte Enabled with Boronic Ester Transesterification for Stabilizing Ion Deposition

Abstract: Damage to solid polymer electrolytes can lead to mechanical degradation, short circuits, or functional failures. Therefore, introducing a self‐healing function to solid polymer electrolytes is an ideal strategy to improve the safety and reliability of electrolyte systems. Herein, dynamic boronic ester‐based self‐healing polymer electrolytes (DB‐SHPEs) with excellent mechanical properties and interfacial stability are developed via a thermally initiated ring‐opening reaction between thiol and epoxy groups. The DB‐SHPEs containing boronic ester bonds can not only alter the topologies via boronic ester transesterification and exhibit good self‐healing capability but also enable homogeneous deposition of Li ions on the Li metal through the Lewis acid–base interactions between boron atoms and salt anions. Furthermore, the boronic ester bonds can endow the DB‐SHPE with reprocessability and recyclability taking advantage of associative transesterification reaction. More significantly, the Li/DB‐SHPE/Li symmetric cells exhibit a stable voltage plateau after cycling for 1200 h and the LiFePO4/DB‐SHPE/Li batteries present excellent cycling performance, suggesting that high‐performance self‐healing polymer electrolytes with multiple functions are promising materials for the next‐generation lithium metal batteries.

Optimization of the microreactor-intensified transesterification process using silver titanium oxide nanoparticles decorated magnetic graphene oxide nanocatalyst

Abstract: In the current study, the biodiesel fuel generation from waste cooking oil (WCO) as a low-cost feedstock was performed in a T-shaped microreactor through a transesterification process in the presence of binary metal oxide of silver-titanium oxide nanoparticles doped over magnetic graphene oxide ([email protected]2Ag) as a novel catalyst. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), vibrating-sample magnetometer (VSM), Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), and Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) were employed to characterize the [email protected]2Ag nanocatalyst. The Box-Behnken design (BBD) based on the response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the reaction parameters, including methanol to oil volume ratio (Me/Oil), residence time and catalyst concentration. Following data analysis and optimization of the transesterification reaction, the maximum yield of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) which was equal to 96.54 ± 1.16 %, was achieved at the residence time of 169.15 s, Me/Oil ratio of 2.52, and catalyst concentration of 4.15 wt%. All attributes of the manufactured FAMEs were within the permitted ranges of the ASTM D6751 standard, indicating high quality. The finding of this work demonstrated that employing a microreactor has an influential role in producing FAMEs in the presence of an [email protected]2Ag nanocatalyst.

Synthesis of Biobased Composite Heterogeneous Catalyst for Biodiesel Production Using Simplex Lattice Design Mixture: Optimization Process by Taguchi Method

Abstract: The use of biobased heterogeneous catalysts made from agricultural waste for producing biodiesel has gained attention for its potential to create a sustainable and low-cost process. The blending of two or more biomass residues to create more viable biobased catalysts is still in its early stages. In this study, a Biobased Composite Heterogeneous Catalyst (CHC) was made by blending the shells of periwinkle (PWS), melon seed-husk (MSH), and locust bean pod-husk (LBP) at a mixing ratio of 67:17:17 using Simplex Lattice Design Mixture, that was then calcined for 4 h at 800 °C. The chemical, structural, and morphological components of the CHC were characterized via XRF, XRD, SEM-EDX, BET, TGA/DSC, and FTIR to assess its catalytic potential. The CHC was employed to synthesize biodiesel from palm kernel oil, and the process optimization was conducted using the Taguchi approach. The XRF analysis showed that the catalyst had 69.049 of Calcium (Ca) and 9.472 of potassium (K) in their elemental and oxide states as 61.592% calcium oxide and 7.919% potassium oxide. This was also supported by the EDX result, that showed an appreciable value of 58.00% of Ca and 2.30% of magnesium, that perhaps provided the active site in the transesterification reaction to synthesize biodiesel. The morphological and physisorption isotherms via SEM and BET showed mesoporous structures in the CHC that were made up of nanoparticles. A high maximum biodiesel yield of 90.207 wt.% was attained under the optimized process conditions. The catalyst could be reused for up to four cycles, and the biodiesel produced met both ASTM D6751 and EN 14214 standards for biodiesel. This study demonstrates that blending PWS, MSH, and LBP waste materials can produce high-quality biodiesel without the need for additional catalysts.

CaO-MgFe2O4@K2CO3 as a novel and retrievable nanocatalyst for two-step transesterification of used frying oils to biodiesel

Abstract: In this study, biodiesel was generated from used frying oil (UFO) in the presence of CaO-MgFe2O4 @K2CO3 as a novel and effective nanocatalyst. Structural and morphological properties of CaO, CaO-MgFe2O4, and CaO-MgFe2O4 @K2CO3 nanocatalysts were evaluated by EDX/SEM, BET, FTIR, TEM, DLS, VSM, and XRD analyses. Also, life cycle assessment and reaction mechanism were investigated. The utmost biodiesel yield using CaO and CaO-MgFe2O4 @K2CO3 nanocatalysts was acheived 93.55% and 96.53%, respectively, at a alcohol/oil ratio of 15:1 for CaO and 18:1 for CaO-MgFe2O4 @K2CO3, catalyst percentage of 4%, temperature of 70 °C, and reaction time of 5 h, which indicates a significant increase in the biodiesel yield of CaO-MgFe2O4 @K2CO3 compared to CaO. Also, physical features of biodiesel such as density, viscosity, flashpoint, cetane number, pour point and cloudpoint were 882 kg/m3, 4.4 mm2/s, 168 ºC, 58.82, 3 ºC and − 2 ºC, respectively, which are within international standards. Moreover, thermodynamic and kinetic behaviors of transesterification were studied and the results showed that the biodiesel generation process using CaO-MgFe2O4 @K2CO3 is endothermic (ΔH°= 61.9 kJ/mol) and non-spontaneous (ΔG°>0). The activation energy of the transesterification reaction was 64.62 kJ/mol, showing the significant potential of the catalyst in the transesterification reaction. Besides, the reusability of CaO-MgFe2O4 @K2CO3 nanocatalyst showed that it can be used in 4 reuse cycles with high biodiesel yield (>90%). Life cycle assessment showed that CaO-MgFe2O4 @K2CO3 has less negative impacts on the environment than common catalysts such as KOH and NaOH. Also, collecting UFO and using it in biodiesel generation helps to reduce environmental pollution.

Synthesis of Sn-CaO as a bifunctional catalyst and its application for biodiesel production from waste cooking oil

Abstract: Abstract Herein, a simple solid-state method was employed to synthesize a bifunctional tin (Sn) supported calcium oxide (CaO) catalyst. The synthesized catalyst (Sn-CaO) was found to be suitable for the conversion of waste cooking oil to biodiesel in a single-step reaction procedure. To achieve maximum conversion, the physicochemical and surface morphological characteristics of the catalyst were investigated using FTIR, XRD and FESEM-EDX. Box-Behnken Design based on Response Surface Methodology was used to optimize biodiesel conversion. At optimized conditions, the variables affecting the reaction were, methanol to oil molar ratio (16.15:1), time (3.42 h), temperature (85.15 °C) and catalyst concentration (2.22% with respect to oil) that led to biodiesel conversion amounting to 97.39%. Three experiments were carried out under these conditions to validate the predicted model. The experimental value of biodiesel conversion in this setting was 96.72 ± 0.61%. The acid value and kinematic viscosity of biodiesel were measured at 40 °C and were determined to be 0.48 mg KOH g−1 and 5.3 mm2 s−1, respectively, fulfilling the ASTM and EN standards. The simultaneous esterification and transesterification reaction mechanism were also described. The finding of this study leads to an economical and environmentally benign approach to biodiesel production. Graphical Abstract

Thermally Latent Bases in Dynamic Covalent Polymer Networks and their Emerging Applications

Abstract: A novel strategy allowing temporal control of dynamic bond exchange in covalently crosslinked polymer networks via latent transesterification catalysts is introduced. Obtained by a straightforward air‐ and water‐tolerant synthesis, the latent catalyst is designed for an irreversible temperature‐mediated release of a strong organic base. Its long‐term inactivity at temperatures below 50 °C provides the unique opportunity to equip dynamic covalent networks with creep resistance and high bond‐exchange rates, once activated. The presented thermally latent base catalyst is conveniently introducible in readily available building blocks and, as proof of concept, applied in a radically polymerized thiol–ene network. Light‐mediated curing is used for 3D‐printing functional objects, on which the possibility of spatially controlled reshaping and welding based on dynamic transesterification is illustrated. Since the catalyst is thermally activated, limitations regarding sample geometry and optical transparency do not apply, which facilitates a transfer to well‐established industrial technologies. Consequently, fiber‐reinforced and highly filled magneto‐active thiol–ene polymer composites are fabricated by a thermal curing approach. The on‐demand activation of dynamic transesterification is demonstrated by (magneto‐assisted) reshaping experiments, highlighting a wide range of potential future applications offered by the presented concept.

Advancements of Biochar-Based Catalyst for Improved Production of Biodiesel: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract: Despite being a limited and scarce resource, the necessity and exploitation of fossil fuels are unstoppable in serving human demands. In order to supply energy demand without causing environmental damage, it is crucial to utilize a variety of renewable feedstock resources. Biochar, made up mostly of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen, is the product of the thermochemical processes of pyrolysis, hydrothermal carbonization, torrefaction, and hydrothermal liquefaction. Biochar, once activated, has the potential to act as a catalyst in a variety of energy generation processes, including transesterification and fermentation. Transesterification is the process that is used to produce biodiesel from a variety of oils, both edible and non-edible, as well as animal fats in the presence of either a homogeneous or a heterogeneous catalyst. When selecting a catalyst, the amount of free fatty acid (FFA) content in the oil is considered. Homogeneous catalysts are superior to heterogeneous catalysts because they are unaffected by the concentration of free fatty acids in the oil. Homogeneous catalysts are extremely hazardous, as they are poisonous, combustible, and corrosive. In addition, the production of soaps as a byproduct and a large volume of wastewater from the use of homogeneous catalysts necessitates additional pretreatment procedures and costs for adequate disposal. This article examines the biochar-based fuel-generation catalyst in detail. At first, a wide variety of thermochemical methods were provided for manufacturing biochar and its production. Biochar’s chemical nature was analyzed, and the case for using it as a catalyst in the production of biofuels was also scrutinized. An explanation of how the biochar catalyst can improve fuel synthesis is provided for readers. Biodiesel’s transesterification and esterification processes, biomass hydrolysis, and biohydrogen generation with the help of a biochar catalyst are all reviewed in detail.

Synthesis of Mn-Doped ZnO Nanoparticles and Their Application in the Transesterification of Castor Oil

Abstract: Alarming environmental changes and the threat of natural fuel resource extinction are concerning issues in human development. This has increased scientists’ efforts to phase out traditional energy resources and move on to environmentally friendly biofuels. In this study, non-edible castor oil was transesterified with methanol using a manganese-doped zinc oxide (Mn-doped ZnO) nanocatalyst. A heterogeneous nanocatalyst was prepared by means of the the sonochemical method. X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to characterize these nanocatalysts. The transesterification reaction was studied under different temperature conditions, different ratios of methyl alcohol to castor oil, and different amounts of the catalyst to identify optimum conditions in which the maximum yield of biodiesel was produced. The maximum biodiesel yield (90.3%) was observed at 55 °C with an oil-to-methanol ratio of 1:12, and with 1.2 g of nanocatalyst. The first-order kinetic model was found to be the most suitable. Several thermodynamic parameters were also determined, such as activation energy, enthalpy, and entropy. We found that this transesterification was an endergonic and entropy-driven reaction. The results showed that the Mn-doped ZnO nanocatalyst could be a suitable catalyst for the heterogeneous catalytic transesterification process, which is essential for biodiesel production.

Techno-Economic Analysis of Interesterification for Biodiesel Production

Abstract: Interesterification is an alternative reaction for the production of fatty acid alkyl esters from triglycerides, a pathway that avoids unwanted byproduct formation. In this work, the technical and economic feasibility of soybean oil interesterification for biodiesel production on a commercial scale is assessed. The interesterification kinetics of triolein (model soybean oil) and methyl acetate using ferric sulfate as a heterogeneous acid catalyst are experimentally determined, and the results are used to parameterize a kinetic model. Process simulations are developed using Aspen Plus V11 for acid and alkaline heterogeneously catalyzed interesterification plants at varying production rates and methyl acetate-to-oil molar ratios (MAOMRs). At all production capacities and MAOMRs tested, the acid-catalyzed processes are found to have more favorable process energy consumption and profitability metrics compared to the alkaline-catalyzed processes. The most economically promising design operates at a production capacity of 30,000 metric tons/yr and an MAOMR of 10:1 with a net present value of $34 million after 20 years and a biodiesel breakeven price of $0.78/kg. This case has a process energy demand of 35,000 MJ/h, resulting in a process energy ratio of 0.25. This work indicates that interesterification shows commercial viability and is a promising alternative to transesterification for biodiesel production.

Snail Shells as a Heterogeneous Catalyst for Biodiesel Fuel Production

Abstract: Homogeneous catalysis is relevant for biodiesel fuel synthesis; however, it has the disadvantage of difficult separation of the catalyst. In the present work, heterogeneous catalysis was applied for rapeseed oil transesterification with methanol, while snail shells were used as a catalyst. CaO content in the catalyst was investigated. Transesterification reactions were carried out in a laboratory reactor, ester yield was analyzed using gas chromatography. Response surface methodology was used for process optimization. It was found that the optimum transesterification conditions when the reaction temperature is 64 °C are the following: a catalyst amount of 6.06 wt%, a methanol-to-oil molar ratio of 7.51:1, and a reaction lasting 8 h. An ester yield of 98.15 wt% was obtained under these conditions.