Improved Heterogeneous Catalyst for the Production of Biodiesel

There is a only a finite amount of fossil fuels, which likely will last a few more decades; therefore, it is imperative to develop renewable sources of energy. An area that has recently attracted a lot of attention is the conversion of fats and oils to biodiesel, primarily through the methanolysis of triglycerides. The use of an immobilized lipase as a heterogeneous biocatalyst to transform fats and oils into biodiesel is a very promising approach with many advantages over competing methods. However, immobilized lipases catalyze the transesterification reaction at a slower rate than homogeneous catalysts and are sensitive to high concentrations of methanol. Both of these characteristics limit their industrial implementation. This project involves the preparation of a heterogeneous, lipase-based transesterification catalyst that is rapid and stable in the presence of high concentrations of methanol. In Phase I, the catalyst will be prepared and characterized, and its ability to catalyze the transesterification reaction in the presence of industrially relevant concentrations of methanol will be compared to the most promising commercially available biocatalyst. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The ability to cheaply and efficiently convert fats and oils to biodiesel would provide the country with a renewable source of diesel fuel. The technology would reduce the country¿s dependence on foreign oil and result in a net decrease in carbon dioxide emissions.