One-Phase for Biodiesel

One-Phase for Biodiesel

Author: ChemViews

Biodiesel is produced through a catalytic transesterification of triacylglycerides (e.g., triolein) with alcohols (e.g., methanol). Triacylglycerides and alcohols are not miscible, however, leading to production methods that are inefficient.

Pedro Lozano and co-workers, Universidad de Murcia, Spain, have analyzed the phase behavior of several ionic liquids (ILs) and their ability to dissolve triolein and methanol. 1-Methyl-3-octadecylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide-based ionic liquid, [C18mim][NTf2], was shown to provide a homogeneous one-phase system for mixtures having an IL content higher than 30 % (w/w) at 50 and 60 °C

The biocatalytic system, Novozym 435/[C18mim][NTf2], was shown to yield 96 % biodiesel (methyl oleate) in 6 h. The enzyme/IL system could be reused for seven operation cycles without any loss in IL phase or enzyme activity.


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