New solid base catalysts for biodiesel synthesis

J.M. Montero, K. Wilson, A.F. Lee

Research output: Contribution to journalConference abstractpeer-review

Abstract

The application of heterogeneous catalysts for the manufacture of renewable biodiesel fuels offers an exciting, alternative clean chemical technology to current energy intensive processes employing soluble base catalysts. We recently synthesised tuneable MgO nanocrystals as efficent solid base catalysts for biodiesel synthesis, and have developed a simple X-ray spectroscopic method to quantitatively determine surface basicity, thereby providing a rapid screening tool for predicting the reactivity of new solid base catalysts. Promotion of these MgO nanocrystals through Cs doping dramatically enhances biodiesel production rates due to the formaion of a mixed Cs Mg(CO ) phase. These MgO derived nanocatalysts permit energy efficent, continuous processing of diverse, sustainable oil feedstocks in flow reactors.
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages1
JournalAbstracts of Papers of the American Chemical Society
Publication statusPublished - 2010
Event240th ACS National Meeting and Exposition - Boston, MA, United States
Duration: 22 Aug 201026 Aug 2010

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'New solid base catalysts for biodiesel synthesis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this