Biodiesel Production by Methanolysis of Rapeseed Oil by Using Li/ZnO as a Catalyst

Abstract

The aim of this research work was the production of biodiesel from rapeseed oil methanolysis, by using Li impregnated ZnO as an heterogeneous catalyst. With the aim of determining the optimum conditions of the process, the influence of some operating variables was studied, such as the stirring rate and the amount of catalyst. Also, some variables concerning the catalyst preparation were considered, such as the activation temperature or the amount of impregnated active phase. The experimental facility used had a 500-mL flat bottom flask with three necks. The condenser (to avoid methanol loss) was connected to the central neck, whereas the remainders were used to connect a temperature probe and the sample collection system. In order to follow the kinetics of the transesterification process, some fatty acid methyl esters such as palmitic, palmitoleic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, linolenic and erucic acid were analyzed at different reaction times by gas chromatography (UNE EN 14103). Finally, in order to compare the results with conventional diesel, the characterization of the biodiesel obtained was carried out, according to UNE standards, analyzing density, viscosity, cold filter plugging point, flash and combustion points, distillation characteristics, cetane number, and acidity, iodine and saponification values.