Biodiesel synthesis over millimetric γ-Al2O3/KI catalyst

Abstract

a b s t r a c tThe use of spherical millimetric gamma-alumina (g-Al 2 O 3 ) as a catalyst support for the production of biodiesel from palm oil was demonstrated. The catalyst support was produced using dripping method, and KI catalyst was loaded on the support using impregnation method. The highest FAME (fatty acid methyl ester) yield of 98% was obtained when the reaction was carried out under the conditions of catalyst to oil ratio of 0.6 g (4wt.%, g cat. /g oil ) using 0:24 g KI =g gAl2O3 of catalyst loading, reaction time of 4 h, temperature of 60 C and methanol to palm oil molar ratio of 14:1. XRD (X-ray diffraction) analysis showed the formation of K 2 O and KAlO 2 phases on the KI/g-Al 2 O 3 catalyst which were possibly the active sites for the transesterification reaction. The highest number and strength of basic sites generated from the solid phase reaction of the KI/g-Al 2 O 3 catalyst loaded with 0.24 g kF/g g-Al 2 O 3 were confirmed by temperature programmed desorption of CO 2 (CO 2 -TPD) analysis. The nitrogen adsorptionedesorption isotherms was revealed a mesoporous structure of the catalysts. The leaching of potassium species in reused catalysts was observed, as verified by XRF (X-ray fluorescence). KI/g-Al 2 O 3 had a long life time and maintained sustained activity even after being repeatedly used for 11 cycles. The biodiesel yield was comparable to that produced from smaller catalysts. Thus, the catalyst could be potential for industrial use, as they can be handled safely, easily separated from the process fluid and used in fixed bed reactor to minimize pressure drop.

Physicochemical Properties of Biodiesel Synthesised from Grape Seed, Philippine Tung, Kesambi, and Palm Oils

“…In Table 4, GSME shows the highest stability at 4.62 h, followed by POME, KOME, and PTME at 3.57 h, 3.21 h, and 2.47 h, respectively. These values were far below that of petrol diesel at 59 h [58]. The low oxidation stability of biodiesel is caused by the presence of double bonds in unsaturated fatty acids found in biodiesels.…”

Synthesis of mesoporous calcium titanate catalyst for transesterification of used cooking oil: A review of the synthesized potential

“…Another study regarding the mesoporous millimetric gamma-alumina bead supported KI (γ-Al2O3/KI) catalyst was conducted by Islam et al (2015), whereby the highest FAME yield of 98 % was obtained when the transesterification reaction was carried out under the conditions of 14:1 methanol to oil ratio, 4 wt. %, of catalyst loading for 4 h of reaction time temperature at 60 °C.…”

A Review on Biodiesel Production through Heterogeneous Catalysis Route

“…Spherical millimetric gamma‐alumina ( γ ‐Al 2 O 3 ) support loaded with KI by impregnation was used in the production of biodiesel from palm oil . A highest FAME yield of 98 % was attained while the reaction was performed at 4 wt % g cat /g oil using 0.24 g KI/ γ ‐Al 2 O 3 of catalyst loading, a reaction time of 4 h, 60 °C, and a palm oil‐to‐ethanol molar ratio of 1:14.…”