Supercritical Fluid Transesterification for the Catalyst-Free Production of Biodiesel
Department
Chemistry
Major
Chemistry
Research Advisor
Nam, Paul Ki-souk
Advisor's Department
Chemistry
Funding Source
Missouri Life Sciences Research Board; USDA-CSREES
Abstract
Non-catalytic supercritical transesterification reaction provides a new way of producing biodiesel fuel from bio-based oils (triglycerides). To find the supercritical reaction conditions that are best suited for the biodiesel production, experiments were conducted first with soybean oil. The soybean oil was treated with a supercritical mixture of methanol and carbon dioxide without the aid of traditional alkali or acid catalyst. The reaction parameters investigated were the reaction time and temperature at a constant pressure (24 MPa) and a molar ratio (41:1 alcohol to triglycerides), and their effect on the biodiesel formation. Addition of a co-solvent, supercritical carbon dioxide, increased the rate of the transesterification reaction, making it possible to obtain high yields at less harsh conditions.
Biography
Timothy Smiley is from Blacksburg, VA. He is a junior in the Chemistry department, and after college wants to work for a company that is involved in making chemical processes more environmentally friendly.
Research Category
Sciences
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Document Type
Poster
Location
Upper Atrium/Hallway
Presentation Date
08 Apr 2009, 9:00 am - 11:45 am
Supercritical Fluid Transesterification for the Catalyst-Free Production of Biodiesel
Upper Atrium/Hallway
Non-catalytic supercritical transesterification reaction provides a new way of producing biodiesel fuel from bio-based oils (triglycerides). To find the supercritical reaction conditions that are best suited for the biodiesel production, experiments were conducted first with soybean oil. The soybean oil was treated with a supercritical mixture of methanol and carbon dioxide without the aid of traditional alkali or acid catalyst. The reaction parameters investigated were the reaction time and temperature at a constant pressure (24 MPa) and a molar ratio (41:1 alcohol to triglycerides), and their effect on the biodiesel formation. Addition of a co-solvent, supercritical carbon dioxide, increased the rate of the transesterification reaction, making it possible to obtain high yields at less harsh conditions.
