In order to separate and identify functional groups of molecules responsible for fluorescence compounds present in biodiesel, a column chromatography coupled with infrared spectroscopy and multivariate analysis was performed. A biodiesel sample was packed in a chromatographic column and the fractions obtained were used to perform the analyses. Before undergoing the separation process, the biodiesel sample was analyzed by light emitting diode (LED)-induced fluorescence and compared its spectrum with β-carotene and soybean oil patterns. The low cost and speed of analysis suggest that this technique can be used in the separation of biodiesel substances. The fluorescence emission spectra allowed identifying molecules such as β-carotene, in which the spectrum of its pattern exhibited fluorescence within a region ranging from 500 to 700 nm and chlorophyll molecules. When soybean oil is excited at around 405 nm, it features a fluorescent emission band within the region of 670 nm, which reveals the presence of chlorophyll. Infrared spectroscopy coupled with principal component analysis allowed to discriminate the fractions and to identify the functional groups of compounds present in the sample.

This paper presents examples of technological assessment and forecasting of the National Institute of Science and Technology (INCT) Energy and Environment, aiming to bring competitive intelligence to ScienceTechnology & Innovation as a contribution for medium and long term to policies, strategies, plans, and processes of decision making. Here is presented the technology assessment of optical methods of analysis for determining oxidative stability, density and viscosity of oils, biodiesel, biofuels, fuels and mixtures thereof.

O uso de substâncias puras ou em formulações para diversos fins, sejam extraídas de plantas e animais, sejam sintetizadas, é tão antigo quanto o próprio homem e tem servido de base para o desenvolvimento de diversos setores industriais.