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Biodiesel Synthesis from Palm Fatty Acid Distillate Using Tungstophosphoric Acid Supported on Cesium-Containing Niobia

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Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society

Abstract

Tungstophosphoric acid supported on cesium-containing niobia (TPA/Cs x /Nb2O5, x = 1.0–2.5) catalysts were prepared by a two-step impregnation method, and their physico-chemical properties were investigated. The initial studies on the esterification of oleic acid with methanol revealed that TPA/Cs ratio affected the acidity as well as the activity of the catalysts. Among the catalysts tested, TPA/Cs1.0/Nb2O5 exhibited the best performance. In addition, the efficiency of TPA/Cs1.0/Nb2O5 for biodiesel synthesis from palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD), a by-product from palm oil industry, was demonstrated, and the reaction parameters were also evaluated. Over 90% yield of FAME was achieved, and the properties of the biodiesel obtained from PFAD met the standard requirements for biodiesel fuel. However, deactivation of the catalysts was observed, possibly due to structural transformation or organic residues blocking the active sites.

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Acknowledgements

Financial supports from the Thailand Research Fund (MRG5280098) and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry (PERCH-CIC), Office of the Higher Education Commission, Ministry of Education are gratefully acknowledged. The authors also acknowledge the support of National Metal and Materials Technology through the P-10-10382 project.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemistry and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Center for Catalysis Science and Technology, Mahidol University, Rama 6 Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand

    Chanasuk Surasit & Jonggol Tantirungrotechai

  2. National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency, Thailand Science Park, Phahonyothin Road, Klong Luang, Pathumthani, 12120, Thailand

    Boonyawan Yoosuk

  3. Department of Chemistry and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Rama 6 Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand

    Manat Pohmakotr

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  1. Chanasuk Surasit
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  2. Boonyawan Yoosuk
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  3. Manat Pohmakotr
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  4. Jonggol Tantirungrotechai
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jonggol Tantirungrotechai.

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Surasit, C., Yoosuk, B., Pohmakotr, M. et al. Biodiesel Synthesis from Palm Fatty Acid Distillate Using Tungstophosphoric Acid Supported on Cesium-Containing Niobia. J Am Oil Chem Soc 94, 465–474 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11746-016-2937-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11746-016-2937-z

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