Abstract

Research on inexpensive and green catalysts is needed for economical production of biodiesel. The goal of the research was to test KI-impregnated calcined oyster shell as a solid catalyst for transesterification of soybean oil. Specific objectives were to characterize KI-impregnated oyster shell, determine the effect of reaction variables and reaction kinetics. The catalyst was synthesized by impregnating KI on calcined oyster shells. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated the presence of portlandite and potassium iodide on the surface and a 31-fold increase in surface as a result of calcination and KI impregnation. Under the conditions tested, ideal reaction variables were 1 mmol g(-1) for catalyst loading, 50 °C for temperature, 10:1 for methanol/oil, and 4h for reaction time. The transesterification followed a first-order reaction (k=0.4385 h(-1)). The option of using oyster shell for the production of transesterification catalysts could have economic benefits to the aquaculture industry in the US.

Links

Publisher Full Text

Authors

Jairam S, Kolar P, Sharma-Shivappa R, Osborne JA, Davis JP

Institution

Biological and Agricultural Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA. sjairam@ncsu.edu

Source

Bioresource technology 104: 2012 Jan pg 329-35

MeSH

Animal Shells
Animals
Catalysis
Computer Simulation
Esterification
Models, Biological
Ostreidae
Potassium Iodide
Soybean Oil

Pub Type(s)

Journal Article
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22078145