The Contribution of Heterogeneous and Homogeneous Catalysts Towards Biodiesel Quality

Abstract

Homogeneous catalysts and heterogeneous catalysts are two types of catalysts used in the transesterification reaction process to produce biodiesel. Homogeneous catalysts that are commonly used are NaOH and KOH, while heterogeneous catalysts are CaO, super base CaO and Zeolite. This research was conducted to determine the contribution of catalysts NaOH, CaO, super base CaO, and zeolite to the quality of biodiesel produced from bulk palm oil, The reaction process is carried out in a Stirred Tank Flow Reactor equipped with a condenser. The results showed that the use of homogeneous catalysts could increase the acquisition of biodiesel but generally triggered high acid levels in the reaction products. Whereas heterogeneous catalysts can reduce biodiesel acid numbers, although the acquisition of biodiesel is lower than homogeneous catalysts.