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Biodiesel Synthesis via Esterification of Feedstock with High Content of Free Fatty Acids

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Abstract

The objective of this work was to study the synthesis of ethyl esters via esterification of soybean oil deodorizer distillate with ethanol, using solid acid catalysts and commercial immobilized lipases, in a solvent-free system. Three commercially immobilized lipases were used, namely, Lipozyme RM-IM, Lipozyme TL-IM, and Novozym 435, all from Novozymes. We aimed for optimum reaction parameters: temperature, enzyme concentration, initial amount of ethanol, and its feeding technique to the reactor (stepwise ethanolysis). Reaction was faster with Novozym 435. The highest conversion (83.5%) was obtained after 90 min using 3 wt.% of Novozym 435 and two-stage stepwise addition of ethanol at 50°C. Four catalysts were also tested: zeolite CBV-780, SAPO-34, niobia, and niobic acid. The highest conversion (30%) was obtained at 100°C, with 3 wt.% of CBV-780 after 2.5 h. The effects of zeolite CBV 780 concentration were studied, resulting in a conversion of 49% using 9 wt.% of catalyst.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge CENPES–Petrobras for financial support and Novozymes Latin America Ltda for kindly providing the enzyme for this research. Dr. Marta A.P. Langone would also like to thank the Programa Prociencia/UERJ. Marcella S. Souza is thankful to CENPES–Petrobras for the scholarship.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Escola de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, CEP 21949-900, Brazil

    Marcella S. Souza & Mônica A. P. da Silva

  2. Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcântara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

    Erika C. G. Aguieiras

  3. Instituto de Química, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, PHLC, IQ, sl. 427, Rio de Janeiro, CEP 20559-900, Brazil

    Marta A. P. Langone

Authors
  1. Marcella S. Souza
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  2. Erika C. G. Aguieiras
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  3. Mônica A. P. da Silva
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  4. Marta A. P. Langone
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Correspondence to Marta A. P. Langone.

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Souza, M.S., Aguieiras, E.C.G., da Silva, M.A.P. et al. Biodiesel Synthesis via Esterification of Feedstock with High Content of Free Fatty Acids. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 154, 74–88 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12010-008-8444-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12010-008-8444-4

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