Novel Heterogeneous Catalyst For High Yield of Biodiesel

From Non-edible Oils

Zahira Yaakob, Manal Ismail, Lim Kean Long
Background
Biodiesel offers promising potential as alternative diesel engine fuels. However, the demand
and cost of edible oils limits its use in the production of biodiesel. In this project, Jatropha
Curcas has been used for biodiesel production using new heterogeneous catalyst, KOH/γ-Al2O3.
Minimum separation process is needed using heterogeneous catalyst make it more
economically viable as compared to currently used commercial homogenous catalyst.
The Jatropha based Biodiesel
Has a flash point of 160 °C – 170 °C
compared to 64 °C for fossil diesel
Non-flammable and non-explosive
Biodegradable and non toxic
Does not emit sulphur compound
The Plant
lower level of carbon residue after
Jetropha curcas
combustion
 A drought resistant, perennial tree (4 – 5 meter
The Catalyst
height)
Solid heterogeneous
 Ideally suited to green up the waste lands
 Does not produce soaps through
 Production life of the plant is about 40 – 50 years
saponification
 starts giving fruit after 3rd year if proper care is
Non-corrosive
taken after plantation
Ease of separation
 Maturity and optimum production is generally
attained by 5th year. Produce higher yield of biodiesel
 Each fruit contains 3 seeds weighing 600 – 700
mg/seed. Applications
Methodology
Biodiesel production by transesterification with
heterogeneous catalyst
Catalyst separation by physical filtration.

Diesel-engine car

“It is generally forgotten, that vegetable and animal oils can be used directly in diesel
engine.”
Rudolf Diesel
Inventor of diesel engine in 1991.
For further information, please contact:
UNIVERSITI Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zahira Yaakob
KEBANGSAAN Dept of Chemical & Process Engineering
MALAYSIA Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia,
43600 UKM Bangi,
Selangor, MALAYSIA
National University of Malaysia Email: zahira@vlsi.eng.um.my
Tel: 03-89216420 Fax: 03-89216148