Preparation of biodiesel catalysed by KF/CaO with ultrasound

Nat Prod Res. 2012;26(13):1249-56. doi: 10.1080/14786419.2011.564581. Epub 2011 Oct 19.

Abstract

Biodiesel, chemically consists of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) produced by methanolysis of natural triglycerides, such as animal fats and vegetable oils, is a kind of biomass energy, which is renewable and ecofriendly. In this article, KF/CaO was used as solid base catalyst for transesterification of soya bean oil and methanol, while ultrasound as supplementary means. Compared to mechanical stirring, ultrasound treatment is an effective method to increase the yield of FAME and shorten reaction time. By single-factor method, the optimisation of reaction conditions has been studied. The research showed that the optimum reaction conditions were: w(catalyst)/w(oil): 3%, reaction temperature: 65°C, n(methanol)/n(oil): 12, reaction time: 1 h, sound intensity: 1.01 W cm(-2), frequency: 20 kHz, the yield of FAME could be 97%.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biofuels*
  • Calcium Compounds / chemistry*
  • Catalysis
  • Esterification
  • Methanol / chemistry
  • Soybean Oil / chemistry
  • Temperature
  • Ultrasonics*

Substances

  • Biofuels
  • Calcium Compounds
  • Soybean Oil
  • Methanol