Solid acid catalysts for biodiesel production - Towards sustainable energy

The advantages of biodiesel as an alternative fuel and the problems involved in its manufacturing are outlined. The pros and cons of making biodiesel via fatty acid esterification using solid acid catalysts are examined. The main problem is finding a suitable catalyst that is active, selective, and stable under the process conditions. Various solid acids (zeolites, ion-exchange resins, and mixed metal oxides) are screened as catalysts in the esterification of dodecanoic acid with 2-ethylhexanol, 1-propanol, and methanol at 130-180 degrees C. The most promising candidate is found to be sulphated zirconia. The catalyst's stability towards thermal decomposition and leaching is tested and the effects of the surface composition and structure on the catalytic activity are discussed.