Paper details

Title:

Transesterification of Rape Oil Using ZnO Modified with Alkali Earth Metal as a Solid Basic Catalyst

Author(s):

Encinar, J.M., González, J.F., Martínez, G., Sánchez, N.

Document(s):

Abstract:

The aim of this work was to optimize the zinc oxide use as a catalyst for the transesterification of rape oil to obtain biodiesel, according to UNE norms. The alkaline and alkaline earth metals­doped ZnO catalysts were prepared by an impregnation method with aqueous solution of metal nitrate. It was done a study of the most influential variables in the catalyst preparation, as type of metals (Li, Na, K, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba), dose of nitrate load (3­7 mmol/g support), calcination temperature of catalysts (500 and 600ºC) and amount of catalyst (3­9 wt.%). With the best catalysts, it was performed a study of the operation variables in the transesterification system, as agitation rate (300­1100 rpm), and methanol/oil molar ratio (3:1­12:1). The highest catalyst activities in the transesterification was obtained with ZnO loaded with LiNO3 and with Ba(NO3)2. In general, agitation rate, methanol/oil molar ratio, and amount of catalyst exert positive influence in the transesterification process. For both catalysts (Li/ZnO and Ba/ZnO), the optimal conditions were 700 rpm, 9:1 methanol/oil molar ratio, 65ºC, 3 wt.% for Ba and 7 wt.% for Li. Finally, the obtained biodiesel was characterized by means of determination of its properties, according to UNE norms. The final product has very similar properties to a nº. 2 diesel fuel.

Keywords:

biodiesel, catalyst, rapeseed oil, transesterification

Topic:

Fuels from biomass

Subtopic:

Production, supply and use of liquid biofuels from oilseeds

Event:

18th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition

Session:

VP3.3.2

Pages:

1764 - 1770

ISBN-13:

978-88-89407-56-1

ISBN-10:

88-89407-56-5

Paper DOI:

10.5071/18thEUBCE2010-VP3.3.2

Price:

FREE