Preparation and Characterization of CaSO4–SiO2–CaO/SO42- Composite for Biodiesel Production

Abstract

Biodiesel synthesis from waste frying oil (WFO), gained a huge industrial concern compared to the high priced virgin vegetable oils. The major catalysts used in biodiesel production are homogeneous catalysts, which are cheap. However, they have many drawbacks such as, serious separation problems, low biodiesel production yield and production of impure glycerol. This will lead to increase the produced biodiesel price. The latest trend in biodiesel production today is using 2- heterogeneous catalysts that can address the homogeneous catalysts drawbacks. CaSO4–SiO2–CaO/SO4 composites with various SiO2 to CaO weight ratios were synthesized, characterized by XRD, SEM, EDX, and FTIR. In addition, the prepared composites were used for biodiesel production and for determining the optimum operating conditions using gas chromatograph (GC). The obtained results clearly indicate that CaSO4–SiO2–CaO/SO4 2- can be used as stable and active catalyst for biodiesel production from WFO.