Transesterification of triglycerides in high and low quality oil feeds over an HT2 hydrotalcite catalyst

Biodiesel Production from Waste Cooking Oil via β-Zeolite-Supported Sulfated Metal Oxide Catalyst Systems

Waste cooking oil (WCO) is a readily available and cheap feedstock for biodiesel production. However, WCO contains high levels of free fatty acids (FFAs), which negatively impact the biodiesel yield if homogeneous catalysts are used. Heterogeneous solid acid catalysts are preferred for low-cost feedstocks because the catalysts are highly insensitive to high levels of FFA in the feedstock. Therefore, in the present study, we synthesized and evaluated different solid catalysts, pure β-zeolite, ZnO-β-zeolite, and SO₄^2-/ZnO-β-zeolite for the production of biodiesel using WCO as feedstock. The synthesized catalysts were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), pyridine-FTIR, N₂ adsorption-desorption, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy, while the biodiesel product was analyzed using nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H and ¹³C NMR) and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy. The results revealed that the SO₄^2-/ZnO-β-zeolite catalyst showed excellent catalytic performance for simultaneous transesterification and esterification of WCO, with a higher percentage conversion than the ZnO-β-zeolite and pure β-zeolite catalyst, due to the large pore size and high acidity. The SO₄^2-/ZnO-β-zeolite catalyst exhibits 6.5 nm pore size, a total pore volume of 0.17 cm³/g, and high surface area of 250.26 m²/g. Experimental parameters such as catalyst loading, methanol:oil molar ratio, temperature, and reaction time were varied in order to establish the optimal parameters. The highest WCO conversion of 96.9% was obtained using the SO₄^2-/ZnO-β-zeolite catalyst under an optimum reaction condition of 3.0 wt % catalyst loading, 200 °C reaction temperature, and 15:1 molar ratio of methanol to oil in 8 h reaction time. The WCO-derived biodiesel properties conform to the ASTM6751 standard specification. Our investigation of its kinetics revealed that the reaction follows a pseudo first-order kinetic model, with an activation energy (E_a) of 38.58 kJ/mol. Moreover, the stability and reusability of the catalysts were evaluated, and it was found that the SO₄^2-/ZnO-β-zeolite catalyst exhibited good stability, giving a biodiesel conversion of over 80% after three synthesis cycles.

Synergistic effects between acidity and the crystalline phases of thermally activated layered Zn hydroxide nitrate on the methanolysis of acidic soybean oils

Layered hydroxyl salts (LHS) is a promising catalyst in the field of methanolysis (transesterification and esterification reactions) of oil feedstocks. The catalytic activity of the catalyst can be enhanced with heat treatment. The present study investigated the relationship between thermal stability of the layered Zn hydroxide nitrate (ZHN), their acid-base properties, and the catalytic conversion of oil feedstocks to methyl ester. The solid, predominantly acidic catalyst was prepared at various temperatures (70-170 °C) and tested for the acidic/basic properties using the Hammett indicators and titration method followed by functional group analysis using FTIR, crystallization using X-ray diffraction, and surface morphology using SEM. The combination of various characterization techniques gave an insight into the changes in the phases of the layered Zn hydroxide nitrate catalysts upon thermal treatment. Major phase changes occurred at temperatures somewhat above 80, and 140 °C. The catalysts were extensively studied to understand the underlying effects on the FAME yields obtained from catalytic conversion of oleic acid spiked soy bean oil (a model of an acidic oil feedstock) into methyl esters. The results of the optimization reactions reaffirmed the effect of the phase changes when the highest FAME yield was observed from two activated samples namely, Zn5_80 and Zn5_140. The optimized reactions condition of catalytic conversion of SO containing 10% OA at 5 °C/min heating rate, 3 wt % catalyst concentration, 30:1 methanol to oil molar ratio, reaction time of 100 °C for 2 h gave 92% FAME yield when Zn5_140 was used as the catalyst. The detected of the single phase of Zn₅(OH)₈(NO₃)₂ in Zn5_80, Zn₅(OH)₈(NO₃)₂ and ZnO in Zn5_140 (2-phase system), including Zn₅(OH)₈(NO₃)₂, Zn₃(OH)₄(NO₃)₂, and ZnO in Zn5_170 (3-phase system), suggested all three phases contributes to the high catalytic activity in methanolysis of the acidic oils. Both Zn5_140 and Zn5_170 gave a comparably high FAME yields based on statistical analyses. This study ascertained the synergistic effects of the high acidity (>0.4 mmol/g) and the dominant active phases of the thermally treated layered Zn hydroxide nitrate on the high catalytic activity that favours esterification of acidic oil feedstocks.

Use of NaNO3/SiAl as Heterogeneous Catalyst for Fatty Acid Methyl Ester Production from Rapeseed Oil

The use of heterogeneous catalysts to produce fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) through transesterification with methanol might contribute to both green chemistry and a circular economy, as the process can be simplified, not requiring additional stages to recover the catalyst once the reaction takes place. For this purpose, different catalysts are used, including a wide range of possibilities. In this research the use of NaNO3/SiAl as a heterogeneous catalyst for FAME production through transesterification of rapeseed oil with methanol is considered. A thorough characterization of the catalyst (including XDR and XPS analysis, SEM microscopy, lixiviation and reusability tests, among others), specific optimization of transesterification by using the final catalyst (considering catalyst amount, stirring rate, methanol/oil ratio, and temperature), and quality determination of the final biodiesel (following the UNE-EN 14214 standard) were carried out. In conclusion, 20 mmolNa·gsupport−1 (that is, NaNO3/SiAl 20/1) offered the best results, with a high activity (exceeding 99% w/w of FAMEs) without requiring higher impregnation amounts. The best chemical conditions for this heterogeneous catalyst were 5% w/w catalyst, 700 rpm, 9:1 methanol/oil ratio, and 65 °C, obtaining Ea = 73.3 kJ·mol−1 and a high-quality biodiesel, similar to those obtained through homogeneous catalysis. Consequently, this catalyst could be a suitable precursor for FAME production.

A Short Review on Catalyst, Feedstock, Modernised Process, Current State and Challenges on Biodiesel Production

Biodiesel, comprising mono alkyl fatty acid esters or methyl ethyl esters, is an encouraging option to fossil fuels or diesel produced from petroleum; it has comparable characteristics and its use has the potential to diminish carbon dioxide production and greenhouse gas emissions. Manufactured from recyclable and sustainable feedstocks, e.g., oils originating from vegetation, biodiesel has biodegradable properties and has no toxic impact on ecosystems. The evolution of biodiesel has been precipitated by the continuing environmental damage created by the deployment of fossil fuels. Biodiesel is predominantly synthesised via transesterification and esterification procedures. These involve a number of key constituents, i.e., the feedstock and catalytic agent, the proportion of methanol to oil, the circumstances of the reaction and the product segregation and purification processes. Elements that influence the yield and standard of the obtained biodiesel encompass the form and quantity of the feedstock and reaction catalyst, the proportion of alcohol to feedstock, the temperature of the reaction, and its duration. Contemporary research has evaluated the output of biodiesel reactors in terms of energy production and timely biodiesel manufacture. In order to synthesise biodiesel for industrial use efficaciously, it is essential to acknowledge the technological advances that have significant potential in this sector. The current paper therefore offers a review of contemporary progress, feedstock categorisation, and catalytic agents for the manufacture of biodiesel and production reactors, together with modernised processing techniques. The production reactor, form of catalyst, methods of synthesis, and feedstock standards are additionally subjects of discourse so as to detail a comprehensive setting pertaining to the chemical process. Numerous studies are ongoing in order to develop increasingly efficacious techniques for biodiesel manufacture; these acknowledge the use of solid catalytic agents and non-catalytic supercritical events. This review appraises the contemporary situation with respect to biodiesel production in a range of contexts. The spectrum of techniques for the efficacious manufacture of biodiesel encompasses production catalysed by homogeneous or heterogeneous enzymes or promoted by microwave or ultrasonic technologies. A description of the difficulties to be surmounted going forward in the sector is presented.

Glycerol Valorization over ZrO2-Supported Copper Nanoparticles Catalysts Prepared by Chemical Reduction Method

Copper nanoparticles (NPs) and ZrO2-supported copper NPs (Cu NPs/ZrO2) were synthesized via a chemical reduction method applying different pH (4, 7 and 9) and evaluated in a glycerol dehydration reaction. Copper NPs were characterized with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and UV–vis spectroscopy. Transmission electron microcopy (TEM) results revealed a homogeneous distribution of copper NPs. A hypsochromic shift was identified with UV–vis spectroscopy as the pH of the synthesis increased from pH = 4 to pH = 9. Zirconia-supported copper NPs catalysts were characterized using N2 physisorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), TEM, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia (NH3-TPD) and N2O chemisorption. The presence of ZrO2 in the chemical reduction method confirmed the dispersion of the copper nanoparticles. X-ray diffraction indicated only the presence of tetragonal zirconia patterns in the catalysts. XPS identified the Cu/Zr surface atomic ratio of the catalysts. TPR patterns showed two main peaks for the Cu NPS/ZrO2 pH = 9 catalyst; the first peak between 125 and 180 °C (region I) was ascribed to more dispersed copper species, and the second one between 180 and 250 °C (region II) was assigned to bulk CuO. The catalysts prepared at pH = 4 and pH = 7 only revealed reduction at lower temperatures (region I). Copper dispersion was determined by N2O chemisorption. With NH3-TPD it was found that Cu NPs/ZrO2 pH = 9 exhibited the highest total quantity of acidic sites and the highest apparent kinetic constant, with a value of 0.004 min−1. The different pH applied to the synthesis media of the copper nanoparticles determined the resultant copper dispersion on the ZrO2 support, providing active domains for glycerol conversion.

An effective modular process for biodiesel manufacturing using heterogeneous catalysis

We present an innovative reaction set-up and process for biodiesel manufacturing by heterogeneous catalysis.

One-step production of biodiesel from oils with high acid value by activated Mg-Al hydrotalcite nanoparticles

Activated Mg-Al hydrotalcite (HT-Ca) nanoparticles (<45 nm) were synthesized by co-precipitation and hydrothermal activation with aqueous Ca(OH)2 solution. They were characterized by various techniques including X-ray diffraction, inductively coupled plasma atomic-emission spectrometer, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method, scanning electronic microscope-X-ray energy dispersive analysis and temperature programmed desorption method. HT-Ca presented both acidic and basic due to the formation of Mg4Al2(OH)14 · 3H2O, Mg2Al(OH)7 and AlO(OH) nanocrystals to esterify and transesterify oils with high acid value (AV). Under conditions of 5 wt% HT-Ca, 160 °C, 30/1 methanol/oil molar ratio and 4h, 93.4% Jatropha biodiesel yield was obtained at AV of 6.3 mg KOH/g with 4 cycles (biodiesel yield>86%). It was further found that it can resist free fatty acids, and biodiesel yield reached 92.9% from soybean oil with high AV of 12.1. HT-Ca catalyst showed a potential practical application for direct production of biodiesel from oils with high AV without pretreatment.

State of the art of biodiesel production processes: a review of the heterogeneous catalyst

This study described the latest technology for fixed batch and continues biodiesel production for both laboratory and industrial scale as well as the role of the heterogeneous catalyst in biodiesel production process.

One pot domino reaction accessing γ-nitroesters: synthesis of GABA derivatives

γ-Nitroesters are synthesized by the one pot domino process. GABA derivatives phenibut and baclofen were readily accessed.

Catalysing sustainable fuel and chemical synthesis

Concerns over the economics of proven fossil fuel reserves, in concert with government and public acceptance of the anthropogenic origin of rising CO2 emissions and associated climate change from such combustible carbon, are driving academic and commercial research into new sustainable routes to fuel and chemicals. The quest for such sustainable resources to meet the demands of a rapidly rising global population represents one of this century's grand challenges. Here, we discuss catalytic solutions to the clean synthesis of biodiesel, the most readily implemented and low cost, alternative source of transportation fuels, and oxygenated organic molecules for the manufacture of fine and speciality chemicals to meet future societal demands.

Ether-type moieties in the lipid part of glycoinositolphospholipids of Acanthamoeba rhysodes

Ether lipids were identified among components liberated with HF and nitrous acid deamination from Acanthamoeba rhysodes whole cells and its membrane glycoinositolphospholipids (GIPL). Liberated ether glycerols were converted to various derivatives that served characterization thereof. These included TMS and isopropylidene derivatives, oxidation with sodium periodate to aldehyde followed by reduction with NaBH4 to alcohol, and reaction of the alcohol with acetic anhydrite to form acetate derivatives. Periodate sensitivity demonstrated that the alkyl side chains were linked to the sn-1 position of glycerol. Combined information from TLC, GC-MS analysis, MALDI-TOF spectrometry, and chemical degradation experiments indicated the presence of ether-linked saturated normal and branched hydrocarbons with a length of C20-23 in the phospholipid fraction, C20-24 in free GPI, and C21-23 in the LPG polymer. The distribution of particular classes of alkylglycerols was similar for phospholipid and GPI fractions, and amounted to 2.62% (±0.04-0.28) 1-O-eicosanyl-sn-glycerol, 16.66% (±0.32-1.1) 1-O-uncosanyl-sn-glycerol, 9.18% (±0.33-1.37) anteiso-1-O-docosanyl-sn-glycerol, 47.56% (±0.32-2.14) 1-O-docosanyl-sn-glycerol, 20.56% (±0.58-1.67) anteiso-1-O-tricosanyl-sn-glycerol, and 2.34% (±0.12-0.63) 1-O-tricosanyl-sn-glycerol. For LPG preparation, the most abundant were anteiso-1-O-tricosanyl-sn-glycerol (57.26%) and 1-O-docosanyl-sn-glycerol (30.12%). The data from TLC and GC-MS analysis showed that ether lipids from phospholipids probably represent the lyso-alkylglycerol type, while those derived from GIPL are alkylacylglycerol moieties.

Heterogeneous catalysis for sustainable biodiesel productionviaesterification and transesterification

Low temperature catalytic conversion of triglycerides and fatty acids sourced from renewable feedstocks represents a key enabling technology for the sustainable production of biodiesel through energy efficient, intensified processes.

Hydrotalcites as Catalysts and Catalysts Precursors for the Synthesis of Biodiesel

This chapter aims at providing an overview of the potential of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) or hydrotalcite-like compounds (HTs) for contributing to the catalysis of the synthesis of biodiesel through the transesterification of triglycerides. First, the main methods of preparation of HTs and the most relevantfeatures of these materials are presented, with emphasis on their basic properties. Afterwards, the literature on the use of HTs as catalysts, catalysts precursors, and supports of transesterification catalysts is reviewed. HTs are promising materials for the synthesis of biodiesel from refined and waste vegetable oils, showing reasonable resistance to water and free fatty acids but an improvement of the chemical stability under the desired reaction conditions is still necessary.

Heterogeneous Catalysts for Biodiesel Production

The combination of dwindling oil reserves and growing concerns over carbon dioxide emissions and associated climate change is driving the urgent development of clean, sustainable energy supplies. Biodiesel is non-toxic and biodegradable, with the potential for closed CO2 cycles and thus vastly reduced carbon footprints compared with petroleum fuels. However, current manufacturing routes employing soluble catalysts are very energy inefficient and produce copious amounts of contaminated water waste. This review highlights the significant progress made in recent years towards developing solid acid and base catalysts for biodiesel synthesis. Issues to be addressed in the future are also discussed including the introduction of non-edible oil feedstocks, as well as technical advances in catalyst and reactor design to ensure that biodiesel remains a key player in the renewable energy sector for the 21st century.

Transforming triglycerides and fatty acids into biofuels

Fuels derived from biobased materials are attracting attention for their potential in securing the energy supply and protecting the environment. In this Minireview, we evaluate the use of biobased sources, particularly fatty acids and triglycerides from seed oils and animal fats, as fuels. The physical and chemical properties of these fatty acids and triglycerides are discussed, including the link to their sources and current availability to meet fuel demands. The current technologies, also known as the first-generation ones, for converting triglycerides into fuels are covered, including conventional methods such as transesterification, pyrolysis, cracking, and emulsions. Recent, second-generation technological developments that lead to more commercially viable biofuels based on diesel-like hydrocarbons are also discussed.

Catalytic processes towards the production of biofuels in a palm oil and oil palm biomass-based biorefinery

In Malaysia, there has been interest in the utilization of palm oil and oil palm biomass for the production of environmental friendly biofuels. A biorefinery based on palm oil and oil palm biomass for the production of biofuels has been proposed. The catalytic technology plays major role in the different processing stages in a biorefinery for the production of liquid as well as gaseous biofuels. There are number of challenges to find suitable catalytic technology to be used in a typical biorefinery. These challenges include (1) economic barriers, (2) catalysts that facilitate highly selective conversion of substrate to desired products and (3) the issues related to design, operation and control of catalytic reactor. Therefore, the catalytic technology is one of the critical factors that control the successful operation of biorefinery. There are number of catalytic processes in a biorefinery which convert the renewable feedstocks into the desired biofuels. These include biodiesel production from palm oil, catalytic cracking of palm oil for the production of biofuels, the production of hydrogen as well as syngas from biomass gasification, Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) for the conversion of syngas into liquid fuels and upgrading of liquid/gas fuels obtained from liquefaction/pyrolysis of biomass. The selection of catalysts for these processes is essential in determining the product distribution (olefins, paraffins and oxygenated products). The integration of catalytic technology with compatible separation processes is a key challenge for biorefinery operation from the economic point of view. This paper focuses on different types of catalysts and their role in the catalytic processes for the production of biofuels in a typical palm oil and oil palm biomass-based biorefinery.