Synthesis of a Re-Usable HCl Treated Graphite Catalyst for Biodiesel Production from Pongamia Pinnata Oil and DMC

Abstract

Abstract

The aim of this research was to investigate the biodiesel from Pongamia pinnata oil with HCl treated graphite catalyst via transesterification. New biodiesel formation process was designed using P. pinnata oil and HCl treated graphite catalyst. Graphite powder was treated with HCl and HCl treated graphite was used as a catalyst. 95% biodiesel yield was obtained with operating conditions, including P. pinnata oil to dimethyl carbonate ratio (1:3), catalyst concentration (2.5% based on DMC weight) and agitation speed of 200 rpm at 75°C for 60 min. The produced biodiesel were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry using an internal standard. The properties of produced P. pinnata biodiesel were conformed to the specifications of ASTM D6751-02 American biodiesel standard. The results showed that all of tested reaction variables in this study had positive effects. HCl treated graphite catalysts are significantly useful for commercial scale formation of biodiesel because it is re-usable.

Keywords: Graphite powder, process designed, HCl treated catalyst, re-uses catalyst, Pongamia pinnata oil, transesterification

Cite this Article

Balaji Panchal, Bian Kai, Sharad Panchal, Sanjay Deshmukh, Munish Sharma. Synthesis of a Re-Usable HCl Treated Graphite Catalyst for Biodiesel Production from Pongamia Pinnata Oil and DMC. Journal of Energy, Environment & Carbon Credits. 2018; 8(2): 30–37p.