Bentonite, as a natural zeolite enhanced biodiesel production through trans-esterification of waste oil

Waste oils are becoming increasingly moreimportant as feedstock for the production of fuelsand chemicals. The influence of bentonite on theKOH-catalyzed methanolysis of waste cooking oilwas investigated. It was found that an appropriateintroduction of bentonite can promote themethanolysis. By the rapidly removal of the waterfrom the system, bentonite enhances thetransformation of KOH to the catalytically activemethoxide species. Further, the main side reactionsare significantly inhibited. The methanolysis oftriglycerides took place in the liquid phase ratherthan in the solid phase. The introduction ofbentonite also lowered the soap concentration incrude biodiesel, which was beneficial for the posttreatmentto generate refined biodiesel

Keywords:

Biodiesel , Trans-esterification , Bentonite , Heterogeneous Catalyst