Development of Alumina Supported Alkaline Catalysts Used for Biodiesel Production

Authors: OĞUZHAN İLGEN, AYŞE NİLGÜN AKIN

Abstract: The transesterification of canola oil with methanol was studied in a heterogeneous system, using \gamma-Al_2O_3 supported alkaline catalysts. All the catalysts were prepared by incipient-wetness impregnation of an aqueous solution of alkaline compounds on \gamma-Al_2O_3 support. The effects of alkaline compound, methanol/canola oil molar ratio, reaction temperature, catalyst amount, and reaction time in biodiesel production were investigated. The catalyst with KOH loaded on \gamma-Al_2O_3 gave the highest basicity and the best catalytic activity for this reaction. The highest FAME yield obtained was 89.40%.

Keywords: Biodiesel, canola oil, heterogeneous catalyst, Al_2O_3 supported catalysts

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