The Effect of Activated Carbon Pellet on Hydrothermal Decarboxylation of Palm Olein into Renewable Diesel

Abstract

Renewable diesel from hydrogenated palm olein can substitute fossil diesel. This study used an activated carbon pellets catalyst in a 500-ml autoclave to decarboxylate palm olein hydrothermally. The experiment was conducted at 330-400 °C, the catalyst-feed ratio was 0.7, and the water-palm olein (palm cooking oil) weight ratio was 4 to 1. GC-MS and standard alkane and alkene characterized liquid products, while GC-TCD identified gas products. Renewable diesel's highest yields are 13.24% and 3.15% for samples with and without activated carbon pellets catalysts at 370 °C. In conclusion, activated carbon pellets increase renewable diesel recovery in hydrothermal decarboxylation.