Synthesis of Biodiesel from Nonconventional Oils using Homogeneous Catalysts Comparison with Novel Heterogeneous Catalyst

Abstract

Presently, more than 80% of the global energy needs are met by the fossil fuels, such as newlinecrude oils, gas and coal. In view of escalating crude oils prices and alarming depleting newlinefossil fuels reserves, coupled with steady increase in energy consumption, many nations newlinein the world are moving towards alternative and renewable energy sources as most newlineacceptable energy security solution for the future. Biodiesel, monoalkyl esters of newlinevegetable oils, has been perceived as environment friendly, renewable and safe potential newlinealternate in comparison to other alternative fuels. newlineThe demand supply of crude oils in India satisfies only 22% of demand and the rest is newlinemet by imported crude oil. Accordingly, Government of India has started quotNational newlineMission on Biodieselquot in 2002 and announced quotBiodiesel Policyquot on 11th September, newline2008. The commercialization and use of biodiesel are currently encountering extensive newlineperplexities associated with food versus fuel dispute, solid residues generation and high newlineprice of biodiesel. newlineIn line with the National Mission on Biodiesel and current problems encountered in newlinebiodiesel commercialization, the present Research Project has been undertaken with newlinefollowing objectives: newlineand#1048696; Searching alternate non-conventional vegetable oils as multifeedstock. newlineand#1048696; Developing new efficient and economical heterogeneous catalysts for newlinetransesterification of vegetable oils. newlineand#1048696; Synthesizing methyl ester of selected non-conventional vegetable oils and newlineestablishing their performance against the biodiesel specifications. newline newlineThe findings of the present research project are expected to provide continuous support to newlineNational Biodiesel Program in India in terms of availability of multifeedstock, newlineoperational simplicity, low cost and recyclablity of new heterogeneous catalysts.