Catalytic Activity For Biodiesel Production Research Articles

Biodiesel production through the transesterification of rapeseed oil over CaO‐MgO/SBA‐15 catalysts

AbstractDesigning a cost‐effective and environmentally friendly heterogeneous catalyst for biodiesel production is essential. To achieve this, new 0.3‐CaO‐MgO/SBA‐15 and 0.8‐CaO‐MgO/SBA‐15 catalysts were prepared by the impregnation method. The new 0.3‐CaO‐MgO/SBA‐15 catalyst had higher purity, larger surface area, and pore volume than 0.8‐CaO‐MgO/SBA‐15, resulting in great catalytic activity for biodiesel production by transesterification of rapeseed oil with methanol. A biodiesel yield of 97.8 wt % was attained under the optimal reaction conditions of 5 wt % catalyst concentration, 15:1 methanol/oil molar ratio, 95°C reaction temperature, and reaction time of 4 h. Most of the parameters and properties of the obtained biodiesel correspond to the EN 14212 standard. The 0.3‐CaO‐MgO/SBA‐15 catalyst could be considered a potential candidate for biodiesel production on industrial level application attributed to intriguing properties like cost‐effectiveness, ease of synthesis, and environmental greenness.

Application of organo-tin based complexes in transesterification reaction for biodiesel production- A review

The primary energy source utilized worldwide is derived from fossil fuels. Among all fields, the transportation sector accounts 54% of total energy consumption. The overuse and scarcity of fossil fuels demand the researchers to seek out a sustainable energy source. Among various renewable resources like solar, water, wind etc., biofuel is also an alternative pollution free energy source. Biodiesel are the fatty acid of methyl esters obtained from animal fat or vegetable oil. To achieve a similar viscosity as petrodiesel, the raw oil or fat is trans esterified to biodiesel. Transesterification is a well-known chemical process wherein the reaction takes place between oil and alcohol, facilitated by the presence of acid or base catalysts. Although the base catalyst has a high conversion rate, soap is generated as a by-product. As a result, acid catalysts are a feasible alternative source for transesterification, but with lower conversion and a high corrosion rate. As traditional acid catalysts, organotin catalysts possess good Lewis acidic character for the production of biodiesel. In this study, we have studied how different substituents on organotin (IV) complexes influence the catalytic activity in biodiesel production as well as in converting by-products of biodiesel into value added products.

Carbon quantum dots (CQD) fabricated from Exiguobacterium sp. VK2 exopolysaccharide (EPS) using hydrothermal reaction and its biodiesel applications

The bacterial exopolysaccharides (EPS) enticed the researchers because of its natural protection against predators, and adhesion to the surface. Thus, this study was conducted for the EPS production from Exiguobacteriumsp. VK2, the synthesis of Carbon Quantum Dot (CQD) from EPS and it was further used for bioenergy production. The CQD was synthesized and characterized using hydrothermal reaction and its structure was elucidated by several methods like Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrum, UV–visible spectroscopy, Gas chromatography-Mass spectroscopy (GC-MS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), HR-TEM, SAED (Selected Area Electron Diffraction) spectrum, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Brunaur-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis. Further, the synthesized CQD from EPS of Exiguobacterium sp.VK2 was tested for its catalytic activity in biodiesel production from waste cooking oil (WCO) along with two different conventional catalysts and more than 90% of total fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) was achieved by CQD than the control.

Mussel shell based CaO nano-catalyst doped with praseodymium to enhance biodiesel production from castor oil

This research presents the preparation and application of mussel shell based CaO doped with praseodymium as catalysts labelled as 3, 5, 7, 9 & 11 wt% for biodiesel production through transesterification reaction from castor oil. Pr-CaO catalysts were synthesized successfully using wet chemistry route and further used as a stable, active, and low-cost heterogeneous catalyst for environmentally benign and green biodiesel production through transesterification of castor oil and methanol. The characterization of catalysts was done using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Raman and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The SEM micrographs depicted the flower like morphology of 7 % Pr doped catalyst with an average crystallite size of < 16 nm and thermal stability below 900 °C. Catalyst testing was done according to ASTM standards for castor oil biodiesel production and found to be within specifications. The obtained catalyst exhibited high catalytic activity for biodiesel production through transesterification of castor oil and methanol. A fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) yield of 87.42 % was obtained through 7 % Pr-CaO mixed oxide catalyst at optimum reaction conditions (i.e., 2.5 wt% catalyst, methanol to oil ratio of 8:1 and 65 °C) while the yield of FAME obtained through undoped, calcined CaO was about 80 %.

A Review of the Emission, Performance, Combustion, and Optimization Parameters in the Production of Biodiesel from Waste Cooking Oil

With the rising consumption of energy comes the challenge of the depletion of fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are non-renewable and finite energy sources with increasing energy demand as a result of the rise in human population and industrialization. This concern has led researchers to seek alternative energy sources that are both economically, technically viable, and environmentally beneficial. Biodiesel is considered an alternative source of energy supply. It is non-toxic, biodegradable, carbon-neutral, and ecologically friendly. However, the high cost of producing biodiesel from feedstocks impedes its commercialization. Hence, WCO used in the production of biodiesel helps to reduce the overall cost of production. The characteristics of the performance, emission, and combustion of the biodiesel produced from the transesterification of WCO are reviewed in this study. The molar ratio of methanol to oil, the concentration of the catalyst, reaction temperature, and time were used to investigate the optimization parameter required in the synthesis of biodiesel from WCO. The number of times the catalyst can be reused while maintaining a good catalytic activity in biodiesel production was also studied. The optimization models and techniques for the prediction of biodiesel yield were also studied.

Cobalt-doped CaO catalyst synthesized and applied for algal biodiesel production

Microalgal biomass is a potential feedstock for biofuel production because of its oleaginous nature and fast growth rate. Furthermore, its cultivation does not compete with crop producing land and thereby eliminating food vs. fuel dilemma. This study describes a low-cost nutrient mediated cultivation method for growing lipid enriched algal biomass from Scenedesmus quadricauda in BG11 media in a raceway pond. A renewable heterogeneous catalyst is synthesized using calcium oxide obtained from calcination of waste egg shells and modified using cobalt nitrate hexahydrate by co-precipitation method. The synthesized catalyst is characterized by XRD, SEM, EDX, FTIR, TEM techniques. Lipid extracted from the biomass is converted to biodiesel using the synthesized catalyst. The formation of biodiesel is confirmed using 1 H NMR, 13C NMR and GC-MS techniques. The result demonstrated that the CaO–Co catalyst has very high catalytic activity for biodiesel production. The integrated process described in this study has potential for producing environmentally benign fuels and a heterogeneous catalyst from renewable sources. • The microalgae Scenedesmus quadriacuda is a good candidate for biofuel production. • KNO 3 helps in lipid enhancement. • The catalyst CaO-Co is renewable in nature. • The algal biodiesel yield is 98%.

Magnetically separable Zn1-xCuxFe2O4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) nanocatalysts for the transesterification of waste cooking oil

Copper doped zinc ferrite Zn1-xCuxFe2O4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) spinels were synthesized via sonication assisted microwave method. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized by XRD, FTIR, HR-SEM, EDX, DRS and VSM analysis. Average crystallite size were in range 5.84 nm to 8.55 nm. FTIR results reveal, bands at 420 cm−1 (Zn2+O2−) and 547 cm−1 (Fe3+O2−) confirming tetrahedral and octahedral positions of the spinel structure formation. All the samples showed ferromagnetic behavior at room temperature. The Zn0.5Cu0.5Fe2O4 sample showed high saturation magnetization (Ms = 74.09 emu/g) and high magnetic moment (3.0 μB). The prepared magnetic nano spinels were subsequently employed to evaluate the catalytic activity for biodiesel production. The transesterification process followed pseudo first order rate kinetic model. An excellent catalytic activity for biodiesel production was acheived (98.9%) and the catalyst was recoverable quickly using an external magnet.

Efficient catalytic production of biodiesel using nano-sized sugar beet agro-industrial waste

This paper addresses the use of agro-industrial residue as a promising heterogeneous catalyst for the efficient production of biodiesel. That is, CaO-rich sugarbeet agro-industrial waste (smashed down to nano-size) shows superb catalytic activity for biodiesel production via transesterification process employing sunflower oil and methanol. Physicochemical properties of the proposed catalyst are probed by TGA–DTG, XRF, XRD, FT-IR, SEM, BET, and CO2-TPD techniques. Biodiesel conversion (%) of Ca. 93% is achieved under the optimal conditions (catalyst loading of 1 wt%, methanol/oil molar ratio of 4.5:1, refluxed at 75 °C for 60 min). The relatively short reaction time indicates the enhanced kinetics of the process using the proposed agro-industrial residue which imparts its economic feasibility. Also, the proposed CaO-rich residue can be reused twice while retaining its catalytic activity. The thus-produced biodiesel fuel compiles the ASTM D6751 and EN-14214 specifications.

Green Synthesis, Characterization and Test of MnO2 Nanoparticles as Catalyst in Biofuel Production from Grape Residue and Seeds Oil

The MnO2 nanoparticles, when used as catalyst, determine an enhanced reaction rate of the transesterifications process thus being very attractive for biodiesel production. One of the current limitations of the biofuel production by using MnO2 nanoparticles as catalyst is given by the reaction conditions. This work intends to improve the transesterification reaction efficiency through the use of a microwave field. It can generate large quantities of energy that lead to a good molecular motion thus favoring the transesterification process without altering the molecular structure. The aim of the present research is to explore the possibility of carrying out the microwave-assisted transesterification of grapes residues and seeds oil through the use of MnO2 nanoparticles as catalysts, as well as yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), to efficiently obtain biofuel end product. Both chemically and biochemically (using plant extracts) synthesized MnO2 nanoparticles were produced and characterized by different techniques like TEM, XRD, BET, XPS, VSM. The analysis of obtained biofuel was performed by GC–MS. The comparison of results revealed that the samples prepared using plant extracts have morphologic properties higher than chemically prepared sample. MnO2 nanoparticles obtained by the use of oregano extracts were further tested for microwave assisted transesterification studies. The surface area of the MnO2 nanoparticles biochemically synthesized was four times higher than the nanoparticles synthesized by chemical method. The MnO2-oregano nanoparticles presented the best catalytic activity for biodiesel production as compared to the yeast catalyst. The use of microwave field for transesterification further enhances the efficiency of the process.

Biodiesel production from waste cooking oil catalyzed by in-situ decorated TiO2 on reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite

Current research reports the synthesis of in-situ TiO2/RGO nanocomposite and used as a heterogeneous catalyst for the transesterification of waste cooking oil into biodiesel. The prepared catalyst was characterized viz. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques conforming the successful formation of nanocomposite. The effects of various reaction parameters used for transesterification were examined to optimize the reaction conditions. The best operational conditions were oil to methanol molar ratio of 1:12 at 65 °C with 1.5 wt% catalyst loading and reaction time of 3 h. The catalyst showed good catalytic activity in biodiesel production and biodiesel conversion of 98% was obtained under optimum reaction conditions. Biodiesel conversion was confirmed by Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR), Carbon Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (13C NMR) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) techniques. The excellent catalytic activity of TiO2/RGO could be attributed to the enhanced surface area of the composite.

Experimental validation of biochar based green Bronsted acid catalysts for simultaneous esterification and transesterification in biodiesel production

In this study, a variety of novel biochar based Bronsted acid catalysts were prepared from low cost potential feedstocks viz., cassava peel, irul sawdust, coconut shell and their catalytic activity for biodiesel production were compared. The optimization studies of biochar generation were carried out based on the influence of pyrolysis temperature and heating duration, for the preparation of acid catalyst with superior activity. The elemental analysis, surface functional groups, thermal stability, crystallographic structure, surface morphology and pore size distribution of all biochars and its sulfonated catalysts were characterized thoroughly. The performance of the sulfonated biochar catalysts for the synthesis of biodiesel from Derris indica L. seed oil was evaluated and compared. The cassava peel biochar based catalyst with a total acid density of 2.9 mmol/g and sulfonic acid group density of 1.7 mmol/g showed the best result among the sulfonated biochar catalysts for the enhanced biodiesel production.

Synthesis, optimization and characterization of biochar based catalyst from sawdust for simultaneous esterification and transesterification

Abstract The development of a benign environmental catalyst for the generation of biodiesel is an area of importance to reduce the overall usage of fossil fuels. In the current work, biochar was produced by slow pyrolysis of Irul wood sawdust. The optimization for biochar generation was carried out for different reaction temperatures and heating durations. The biochar was used to prepare solid acid catalysts by sulfonation process. The characterization of biochar and the sulfonated catalyst were carried out using Elemental analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Powder X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Surface area analyzer (BET). The characterization results showed that sulfonation of biochar resulted in biochar based solid acid catalyst containing various functional acidic groups like weak acidic OH groups, strong acidic COOH and SO3H groups. The total acid density and sulfonic acid group density of catalyst were estimated and showed excellent acidic sites concentration which gives a good catalytic activity for biodiesel production through simultaneous esterification and transesterification. The enhanced catalytic activity is due to the high acid density of SO3H groups and the reactant accessibility towards acidic sites as well as the strong affinity between the hydrophilic reactants and the neutral OH groups which are bonded with the polycyclic aromatic carbon rings. The performance of biochar catalyst for the production of biodiesel was evaluated by comparing the yield obtained. The FTIR and Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectroscopy (GC–MS) were also carried out for the analysis of biodiesel produced.

Catalytic Performance and Characterization of Promoted K-La/ZSM-5 Nanocatalyst for Biodiesel Production

The promoted K-La nanocatalysts supported on ZSM-5 zeolite were prepared via wetness impregnation method and tested for biodiesel production from soybean oil. The effects of different weight percentage of La, loading of K as a promoter and calcination conditions on structure and activity of catalyst were investigated. Results showed that the supported catalyst containing 7wt.% of La was promoted with 1wt.% of K is an optimal catalyst for biodiesel production. The best operational conditions were the CH3OH/oil=12/1 molar ratio at 60˚C with mechanical stirring 500 rpm for 3 h. The biodiesel yield reached 90% under the optimal operational conditions. It was found that K-La/ZSM-5 nanocatalyst have high basic sites and catalytic activity for biodiesel production. Characterization of catalysts was carried out by using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Temperature Programmed Desorption (TPD), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform-InfraRed(FT-IR) spectroscopy and N2 adsorption-desorption measurements methods.

Methoxy-functionalized mesostructured stable carbon catalysts for effective biodiesel production from non-edible feedstock

The nano-architectured Ca(OCH3)2/AC catalyst was prepared through hydrothermal process. In this work, the controlled structural growth and morphology of nano-architectured Ca(OCH3)2/AC catalyst were reported and their conversion activity from non-edible oil source (crude jatropha oil) to biodiesel production was also evaluated in this study. Remarkable difference in catalytic activity for biodiesel production among these samples was observed. It shows that the catalytic properties of the hydrothermal synthesized catalyst was improved by exposing the catalytic active OCH3 predominantly on the surface of catalyst. The 0.4-OMe/AC catalyst with methanol/oil molar ratio of 12:1, agitation speed of 600 rpm and 3 wt% of catalyst provided maximum biodiesel yield of 98.65% at 60 °C for 1 h reaction time. The catalyst exhibited outstanding stability where negligible Ca2+ leaching was detected and the recovered catalyst was reused in 8 successive cycles without significant loss in activity. Therefore, this kind of bimodal porosity catalyst is said to exhibit very high activity, stability, and recyclability, which entailed potential saving and affordable biodiesel production possibilities.

Preparation, characterization, kinetic and thermodynamic studies of MgO-La2O3 nanocatalysts for biodiesel production from sunflower oil

A series of MgO-La2O3 nanocatalysts were prepared via a co-precipitation method and used for biodiesel production from sunflower oil. The results showed that with increasing Mg/La weight percent the catalytic activity increases obviously. Also the results showed that the catalyst with Mg/La=60wt.% (based on weight of La) is an optimal nanocatalyst. The best operational conditions were the CH3OH/oil=18/1 at 338K with mechanical stirring 700rpm for 5h. Furthermore, the optimal nanocatalyst showed high catalytic activity for biodiesel production and the biodiesel yield reached 97.7% under the optimal conditions. Furthermore, this nanocatalyst was used for 4 runs in biodiesel production without significant decrease of catalytic performance. Also kinetic and thermodynamic of reaction has been studied in the presence of optimal nanocatalyst. From the kinetic and thermodynamic studies, Ea=77.6kJ·mol−1, A=3.5×107l·mol−1s−1, ΔrHθ=162kJ·mol−1K−1, ΔrSθ=0.54kJ·mol−1K−1 were obtained. Characterization of catalysts was carried out by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), temperature programmed desorption (TPD), Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and N2 adsorption–desorption measurement methods.

Preparation, kinetic and thermodynamic studies of Al–Sr nanocatalysts for biodiesel production

Abstract The novel Al–Sr nanocatalysts were prepared via co-precipitation method and tested for biodiesel production from sunflower oil. This research investigates the effect of different Al/Sr molar ratio on the catalytic performance. The effect of calcination conditions was investigated and it was found that the catalyst calcined at 600 °C for 5 h is optimal catalyst. The best operational conditions were the CH 3 OH/oil = 12/1 at 65 °C with mechanical stirring 500 rpm for 300 min. Furthermore, the optimal nano catalyst showed high catalytic activity for biodiesel production and the biodiesel yield reached 96.8% under the optimal conditions. From the TPD results, the high basicity of catalysts enabled high yield of biodiesel was obtained. Also from the kinetic and thermodynamic studies, Ea = 72.86 kJ mol − 1 , A = 3.38 × 10 7 s − 1 , ΔH = 215.02 kJ mol − 1 and ΔS = 662.70 J mol − 1 K − 1 were obtained. Characterization of catalysts was carried out by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), temperature programmed desorption (TPD), Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and N 2 adsorption–desorption measurement methods.

Sustainable biodiesel production via transesterification of waste cooking oil by using CaO catalysts prepared from chicken manure

The low cost and efficient CaO catalysts have been successfully prepared from chicken manure by a simple calcination, in this present work. Chicken manure contains significant content of calcium compounds that can easily be converted into the active calcium oxide catalyst after calcination at 850°C under air. The Hammett indicator test showed that the obtained CaO catalyst has the basic strength in a range of 15<H_<18.4, revealing that the basicity of the obtained catalyst is mainly ascribed to the strong basic properties of metal–O groups. The obtained CaO catalyst exhibited high catalytic activity for biodiesel production from transesterification of waste cooking oil and methanol. Up to 90% FAME yield was obtained at optimum reaction condition (i.e. 7.5wt% of catalyst, 15:1 of methanol:oil molar ratio and 65°C). The experimental kinetic data fitted well with the pseudo-first order model and the activation energy was found to be 78.8kJmol−1. Moreover, fuel properties of the produced biodiesel were determined according to the European standard and found to be within the specifications. The uses of chicken manure as a catalyst source and waste cooking oil as a raw material for biodiesel production not only offers the environmentally friendly and cost-effective way to recycle those wastes, but also help to lower the biodiesel production cost to make biodiesel competitive with petroleum-based diesel.

Preparation and kinetic study of magnetic Ca/Fe3O4@SiO2 nanocatalysts for biodiesel production

The novel magnetic Ca/Fe3O4@SiO2 nanocatalysts were prepared via combination of sol-gel and incipient wetness impregnation methods for biodiesel production. This research investigates the effect of different Ca/(Fe3O4@SiO2) weight percentage on the catalytic performance. The best operational conditions were the CH3OH/oil = 15/1 at 65 °C with mechanical stirring for 5 h. Furthermore, the optimal nano catalyst showed high catalytic activity for biodiesel production and the biodiesel yield reached 97% under the optimal conditions. From the TPD results, the high basicity of catalysts enabled high yield of biodiesel was obtained. The catalyst could be recovered simply by using an external magnetic field and reused several times without appreciable loss of its catalytic activity. From the kinetic and thermodynamic studes, Ea = 47.03 kJ, A = 1.9 × 10 5 min−1, ΔH = 112.56 kJ mol−1 and ΔS = 298.63 J mol−1 K−1 were obtained. Characterization of catalysts was carried out by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), temperature programmed desorption (TPD), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential thermogravimetric analysis (DTA), Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and N2 adsorption–desorption measurement methods.

Biodiesel production from soybean and Jatropha oils using cesium impregnated sodium zirconate as a heterogeneous base catalyst

Cesium modified sodium zirconate (Cs-Na2ZrO3) was prepared by ionic exchange from sodium zirconate (Na2ZrO3), which was synthesized via a solid state reaction. Both ceramics, i.e., pristine Na2ZrO3 and the Cs-Na2ZrO3, were used as basic heterogeneous catalysts in biodiesel production. Soybean and Jatropha oils were used as triglyceride sources for transesterification reactions. Parameters, such as catalyst concentration (between 0.5 and 3 wt%), reaction time, different methanol/vegetable oil molar ratios, and temperature of the reaction, were evaluated. The cesium cation influence was evaluated from the basic transesterification reactivity. The results showed that the introduction of cesium significantly modified the catalytic activity in biodiesel production. Cs enhanced the reaction kinetics in obtaining biodiesel and reduced the reaction time in comparison with pristine Na2ZrO3. The results showed that Cs-Na2ZrO3 as a basic heterogeneous catalyst exhibited the best fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) conversion for soybean oil (98.8%) at 1 wt%, 30:1 methanol/oil ratio, 65 °C, and 15 min. The best conditions for Jatropha oil (90.8%) were 3 wt%, 15:1 methanol/oil ratio, 65 °C, and 1 h. The impregnation of Na2ZrO3 with cesium represents a very exciting alternative heterogeneous base catalyst for biodiesel production.

Preparation of a novel cellulose-based immobilized heteropoly acid system and its application on the biodiesel production

Porous cellulose beads (CBs) were prepared using ionic liquid as solvent and then further modified using different reagents which were ethylenediamine (EDA), diethylenetriamine (DETA), triethylene tetramine (TETA) and 4-aminostyrene (AST). These CBs were used as carrier for immobilization of H3PW12O40 (HPW). The immobilized catalysts were characterized by FT-IR, scanning electron microscopy, XRD, ICP atomic emission spectrophotometer. The results indicated that CB-(AST-HPW)n possessed higher amounts of HPW and stronger catalytic activity for biodiesel production. After using CB-(AST-HPW)n for yellow horn oil esterification, the conversion yield reached 96.22% under optimal conditions. The final product of biodiesel prepared with CB-(AST-HPW)n was of high quality. We conclude that cellulose-based immobilized HPW is a novel catalyst potentially suited for biodiesel production.