Journal of Fundamentals of Renewable Energy and Applications
Open Access

Heterogeneous acid and base catalysts for biodiesel production

International Congress and Expo on Biofuels & Bioenergy

August 25- 27, 2015 Valencia, Spain

Jinesh C Manayil

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Fundam Renewable Energy Appl

Abstract :

Biomass is a promising sustainable feedstock for the production of chemicals and transportation fuels. Biodiesel is a clean
burning and biodegradable fuel which, when derived from non-food plant or algal oils or animal fats, is viewed as a
viable alternative to petroleum-derived diesel. Catalytic esterification of free fatty acids (FFAs) and the transesterification
of triacyl glycerides (TAGs) represent efficient routes to biodiesels from non-edible oils or waste oils. A major hurdle in
the commercialization of such processes is the synthesis of efficient, inexpensive and robust heterogeneous catalysts able to
operate at low temperature and pressure, and with good water and FFA tolerance. Here we discuss the application of diverse
nanocrystalline and nanoporous solid acid and base catalysts for FFA esterification and TAG transesterification. Promising
solid base catalysts include hydrotalcites, MgO and dolomitic mineral waste. Sulfonic acid and zirconia functionalised
mesoporous silicas (SBA-15, MCM-41, KIT-6 and PMO) are promising solid acid catalysts for esterification under mild
conditions, with both surface functionality and framework architecture playing an important role in promoting activity and
permitting continuous biodiesel manufacture.