Algae derived biodiesel using nanocatalytic transesterification process

Abstract

This work investigates the nanocatalytic biodiesel production from algae (Nannochloropsis sp.). The hydrothermal synthesis route was used in this study to produce nano Ca(OCH 3) 2 (calcium methoxide) as a model catalyst. The effect of the main reaction parameters i.e. catalyst dosage, temperatures under constant pressure, methanol molar ratio and reaction time on the yield of FAME (fatty acid methyl ester) were examined. Kinetic study of biodiesel synthesis from crude microalgae oil using nanocatalytic transesterification reaction was appraised. The results indicate that CH 3 O − species (a cluster of tiny plate-like architectures) in Ca(OCH 3) 2 catalyst, and acted as main active sites for transesterification process. In additional, Ca(OCH 3) 2 catalyst has excellent catalytic performance in production of biodiesel. The highest FAME yield of 99.0% was obtained over 3 wt.% of Ca(OCH 3) 2 catalyst loading at methanol to oil molar ratio of 30:1 and reaction time of 3 h at 80 • C. Moreover, the catalyst displays a good stability and reutilization. A satisfactory FAME yield of 96% was achieved after use for five consecutive cycles without significant deactivation. The activation energy (E a) of the transesterification reaction of crude Nannochloropsis oculata oil with methanol over Ca(OCH 3) 2 nanocatalyst was obtained as 58.62 kJ mol −1. The results revealed that the yield of methyl esters obtained from algae-based triglycerides was follows a pseudo first order mechanism for the forward reaction. These results suggest that the nanocatalyst is a promising for a green biodiesel production process from algae.

Synthesis, characterization, and optimization of Schizochytrium biodiesel production using Na+‐doped nanohydroxyapatite

“…The depletion of fossil fuels coupled with high engine exhaust emissions and increasing fuel prices have triggered the research fraternity to find an alternative energy source. Nowadays, biodiesel has greater attention in alternative fuel sources because of its superior characteristics such as biodegradability, eco‐friendly, nontoxicity, noncorrosive, and lower emissions compared with biodiesel . Moreover, biodiesel production is simple, and it has similar properties corresponding to conventional petroleum diesel.…”

“…The broad spectrum of the biodiesel sources is from first generation like edible feedstock and second generation resources such as nonedible fish waste and animal waste. Among these, 95% of edible feedstock is concerned about food versus fuel conflicts . The abundant use of edible oil also caused starvation in many countries which includes 60% of malnourished humans …”

“…Nowadays, biodiesel has greater attention in alternative fuel sources because of its superior characteristics such as biodegradability, eco-friendly, nontoxicity, noncorrosive, and lower emissions compared with biodiesel. 2,3 Moreover, biodiesel production is simple, and it has similar properties corresponding to conventional petroleum diesel. The broad spectrum of the biodiesel sources is from first generation like edible feedstock and second generation resources such as nonedible fish waste and animal waste.…”

“…Among these, 95% of edible feedstock is concerned about food versus fuel conflicts. 3,4 The abundant use of edible oil also caused starvation in many countries which includes 60% of malnourished humans. 4 Although the second-generation biofuels have overcome the hurdles of the first-generation feedstocks, but the continuous supply of the resource is a challenge.…”

“…Various homogenous acids/base catalysts such as CH 3 NaO, H 2 SO 4 , HCl, NaOH, and KOH were used for the biodiesel production. These catalysts have virtuous catalytic performance but have several drawbacks on commercialization because of saponification, nonreusability, and less reactivity to high free fatty oils.…”