Biodiesel from Citrullus colocynthis oil: sulfonic-ionic liquid-catalyzed esterification of a two-step process.

Yasir Ali Elsheikh,Faheem Hassan Akhtar

doi:10.1155/2014/540765

Yasir Ali Elsheikh, Faheem Hassan Akhtar

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/540765

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Journal: TheScientificWorldJournal	Publication Date: Jan 1, 2014
Citations: 31	License type: CC BY 3.0

Affiliation: King Abdulaziz University

Abstract

Biodiesel was prepared from Citrullus colocynthis oil (CCO) via a two-step process. The first esterification step was explored in two ionic liquids (ILs) with 1,3-disulfonic acid imidazolium hydrogen sulfate (DSIMHSO4) and 3-methyl-1-sulfonic acid imidazolium hydrogen sulfate (MSIMHSO4). Both ILs appeared to be good candidates to replace hazardous acidic catalyst due to their exceptional properties. However, the two sulfonic chains existing in DSIMHSO4 were found to increase the acidity to the IL than the single sulfonic chain in MSIMHSO4. Based on the results, 3.6 wt% of DSIMHSO4, methanol/CCO molar ratio of 12 : 1, and 150°C offered a final FFA conversion of 95.4% within 105 min. A 98.2% was produced via second KOH-catalyzed step in 1.0%, 6 : 1 molar ratio, 600 rpm, and 60°C for 50 min. This new two-step catalyzed process could solve the corrosion and environmental problems associated with the current acidic catalysts.

Highlights

The majority of the world energy needs are supplied through petroleum resources
Pure vegetable oils have been used in the past in diesel engine
There have been many problems linked with the direct use of vegetable oils (VOs) in the diesel engine, such as high viscosities and the lower volatilities [2]

Summary

Introduction

The majority of the world energy needs are supplied through petroleum resources. The increase in energy demand and pollution problems caused by industrialization has urged researchers and economists to find new sources of energy. One of the feasible energy sources is the use of plant oils, which is readily available and environmentally acceptable [1]. Biodiesel is an alternative diesel fuel that consists of alkyl monoesters of fatty acids from vegetable oils or animal fats. Pure vegetable oils have been used in the past in diesel engine. There have been many problems linked with the direct use of vegetable oils (VOs) in the diesel engine, such as high viscosities and the lower volatilities [2]

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Conclusion