The use of heterogeneous catalysts in the production of biodiesel

Abstract

In this thesis a parameter screening of the esterification of oleic acid with ethanol in the presence of the heterogeneous catalyst Amberlyst 15 wet ion exchange has been conducted with the intent to produce biodiesel. The parameters screened were temperature, catalyst amount and molar ratio. In addition a reuse test was done to test the catalysts recyclability. The catalyst that was tested is an acidic polymer resin with an open pore structure with good thermal, physical and chemical stability [1] which has been shown to work in the esterification of oleic acid in the presence of methanol [2], [3]. Higher temperature and catalyst amounts increased conversion while the molar ratio that gave the highest conversion was one to one