Biodiesel synthesis via metal oxides and metal chlorides catalysis from marine alga Melanothamnus afaqhusainii

doi:10.1016/j.cjche.2015.12.015

Abstract

Abstract: This research article demonstrates the most comprehensive comparative catalytic study of differentmetal oxides and metal chlorides towards the methanolysis of triglycerides of marine red macroalga Melanothamnus afaqhusainii.CaO was found to be the most reactive metal oxide that yielded 80% biodiesel while ZnCl₂ was the most reactive metal chloride that produced 60% biodiesel bymechanical stirring for 6 h at 100-110℃.The overall reactivity order of the catalysts was found to be CaO >MgO >PbO₂ >ZnCl₂ >TiCl₄ >PbO >HgCl₂ >ZnO >AlCl₃ >SnCl₂ >TiO₂ whereas, CaCl₂, MgCl₂, Al₂O₃, HgO, PbCl₂, MnO₂, MnCl₂, Fe₂O₃ and FeCl₃ were found to be non-reactive for transesterification of triglycerides.In addition, a detailed study of the screening of mobile phases and spraying reagents was conductedwhich showed that petroleumether:chloroform:toluene(7:2:1) is the bestmobile phase, whereas iodine crystals/silica gel is the best visualizing agent for the thin layer chromatography(TLC) examination of biodiesel.Biodiesel productionwas confirmed by comparative TLC examination.It was further supported by the determination of fuel properties of biodiesel, whichwere found to be similar to the standard limits of American Society for Testing and Materials(ASTM).

Key words: Biomass, Methanolysis, Triglycerides, Biodiesel, Catalysts

Abdul Majeed Khan, Noureen Fatima. Biodiesel synthesis via metal oxides and metal chlorides catalysis from marine alga Melanothamnus afaqhusainii[J]. Chin.J.Chem.Eng., 2016, 24(3): 388-393.

Abdul Majeed Khan, Noureen Fatima. [J]. Chinese Journal of Chemical Engineering, 2016, 24(3): 388-393.

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