Investigation of Biodiesel Synthesis with the Presence of Iron-Base Nanocatalyst

Goo, Zi Lang (2017) Investigation of Biodiesel Synthesis with the Presence of Iron-Base Nanocatalyst. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University College.

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Abstract

Due to finite source of natural fuel, humanity had begun to search for alternative fuels as one of the main sources of energy. In addition to the environmental issue caused by the consumption of natural fuel, the usage of biofuel is getting more and more popular. Burning natural fuel releases huge amount of greenhouse gases, sulphur dioxide and solid particulates into the air. Biodiesel is an alternative fuel, which could tackle the problems stated above. Esterification of fatty acids and alcohol for biodiesel production has a low yield. With the aid of a catalyst, the yield of the process can be improved. There are two kinds of catalyst, homogeneous and heterogeneous. A heterogeneous catalyst allows easy separation, reducing the costs to separate the catalyst from the system. Catalyst with magnetic properties makes it easier for separation after esterification. The catalyst can be removed from the system simply by applying a magnetic field. In this work, the feasibility of iron (III) oxide, strontium ferrite and strontium barium ferrite nanoparticles as acidic catalyst for esterificifaction was studied. Iron (III) oxide, strontium ferrite and strontium barium ferrite nanoparticles were synthesized via solgel method. The gel was dehydrated slowly around 95~100 ℃ for 72~96 hours. The dried powder was then calcined at 850~950 ℃. Esterification was carried out with lauric acid to methanol mol ratio ranging from 1:10~20 and lauric acid to catalyst weight ratio of 100%:3~20%. The acidic strength of catalyst was test with Hammett indicator